Leigh Leopards have already made one splash signing from the NRL as they brought in Matt Moylan, but the club could be set for another as they’re now being linked with winger Tristan Sailor.
The 25-year-old has had a disrupted NRL career, often playing in the Queensland or New South Wales Cup as opposed to representing an NRL side. Despite that he debuted for 2023 Grand Finalists Brisbane Broncos earlier this year.
Sailor is the son of legendary winger Wendell who scored over 100 tries for Brisbane in a long and illustrious career. Wendell also swapped codes and played in England for Leeds Tykes during his stint in rugby union, registering 15 tries in just 13 before bursting onto the international scene.
It could be the case now though that son Tristan makes a move to England with multiple reports linking the winger with a move.
The League Scene Podcast first reported the news that Sailor was close to an immediate release from the Broncos and that Leigh would make a move for him.
They posted on X stating: “Multiple sources have speculated to us that Tristan Sailor is set to be released by the Broncos effective immediately to take up a deal with the Leigh Leopards in the English Super League.
“Former Titans prop Ben Nakubuwai will be released to open a roster spot.”
More credence was added to the reports when renowned journalist The Mole also covered Sailor’s switch to England to join the Leopards.
The Mole posted, also on X, stating: Tristan Sailor of @brisbanebroncos in the sights of @SuperLeague club Leigh.”
One of the immediate replies to The Mole’s news was that the Leopards are full on their overseas quota spots, currently with seven players and therefore at the limit.
That would tie in with League Scene Pod’s report that Ben Nakubuwai would be released to make room for Sailor.
The status of Nakubuwai has been unclear for much of the off-season with no clarity over the contract length of the prop forward, and therefore no real idea if he was still under contract.
It would seem that he is under contract but could well be released so that Leigh can bring in Sailor, the club having sought after a winger earlier in the off-season.
Leigh had reportedly chased Leeds Rhinos winger Derrell Olpherts but were unsuccessful, however they might have found the pace outside in the form of Sailor.
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