St Helens star and in-form full-back Tristan Sailor has given his thoughts on his side’s recent form, and how he hopes he can keep the number one jersey for the foreseeable after excelling well in the position.
Saints face Hull FC tonight at the Totally Wicked Stadium, and will look to join Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos on 32 points and go joint second in the table. After a 13-6 victory in the reverse fixture, it is thought that it will be another tight contest tonight.
Sailor was Saints’ big signing ahead of 2025, joining from NRL side Brisbane Broncos. After a shaky start to the season that saw them win seven of their opening 13 matches, they have hit a new level since over the past two months, losing just once and finding themselves well in contention for a top four, if not top two finish.
The 27-year-old has been crucial to the Red Vee’s success. Coming over originally to play in the halves, a positional switch to full back has given him and Saints a new lease of life, that has brought more attacking threat. Speaking to SaintsTV, he spoke on how he believes both him and the team have improved in recent times.
“At the moment it’s been really good. Over the past eight weeks we’ve been building as a team and I’ve benefitted off that individually,” said Sailor.
“I’ve really found my feet and the style of play suits me. I’m still getting used to Super League, obviously it’s quite different to NRL but I feel on the back of what the forwards are doing for me it’s been really good.”
Sailor has 15 tries and 24 try assists to his name this year, in what is an impressive maiden Super League campaign. He revealed he isn’t used to scoring as many tries, with his game revolving around creating chances for others.
“I think I’ve always been a try assist person,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve ever scored as many tries which I guess is exciting for me, but I sort of like them both. Any contribution, even like a pass or an assist just helping the team. ”
St Helens star talks potential selection headache as fellow star returns from injury
Paul Wellens now has a selection headache to deal with, as England international full-back Jack Welsby is now back fit, after returning on the bench in the victory over Huddersfield.
Sailor admitted he wouldn’t want to be in his coach’s position when it comes to squad selection, but knows whatever decision is made will be for the good of the team.
“It’s a tough one because Jack’s a world class player, he’s been out for a while and I guess he’s got that, sort of, reputation with Saints and he’s built his legacy here,” he added. “I’ve really found my feet at full-back, so it’s obviously a tough one for Wello [Wellens], and I think that’s the thing with me I’m happy to do what’s best for the team.
“Whatever that may be will be but obviously I’ve been loving fullback and I’ve full confidence in the staff that whatever decision they make is for the betterment of the team leading into the playoffs.”
