Infotainment Factory: Sailor reveals dad's 'emotional' phone call

Tristan Sailor has spoken of his "gratitude" after making his Broncos debut following a court case that threatened to end his NRL career.

The son of Broncos legend Wendell Sailor was a standout as the Broncos thrashed the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in a trial match at Brisbane's Kougari Oval on Saturday, setting up three tries and scoring a four-pointer of his own in a sparkling game at fullback.

Sailor is gunning for a spot on the Broncos' top-30 roster after signing a train-and-trial deal in October last year.

THE MOLE: Police 'over-reaction' claimed after stars' arrest

During his time at the Dragons, he feared his NRL career was over when he was suspended under the game's no-fault stand-down policy in October 2020, but in March last year he was found not guilty of having sexual intercourse with a woman without consent.

Sailor reflected on his difficult journey moments after Saturday's trial game with the Broncos.

"I guess it gives you that gratitude for football and sort of how many opportunities it provides and the mateship that comes along with it," the 24-year-old told 9News.

"So, to be back in that environment is just awesome, and I think you really get to love football rather than seeing it as a job."

Sailor's mum and grandparents were at Kougari Oval to watch him make his Broncos debut, but his dad Wendell couldn't be there.

"Dad called me," Sailor said.

"He was on his way to the country out west, but he was quite emotional."

Wendell was a star winger in the powerhouse Broncos sides of the 1990s and early 2000s, crossing for 110 tries and tasting premiership glory in 1997, 1998 and 2000.

Darren Lockyer, Allan Langer, Kevin Walters, Shane Webcke, Gorden Tallis and Lote Tuqiri were among the champions Wendell played with.

"I guess (it's a) really good feeling being in that Broncos facility," said Wendell's son on Saturday.

"They've got all the old players on the wall and stuff, so I think it really resonated with me."

Broncos coach Walters had promising words for Tristan in the wake of his Brisbane debut.

"He was good ... for us, Tristan. His first hit-out in a Broncos jersey. It was great to see him get an opportunity," Walters said.

"We'd love to sit down with him and have a chat and see where he's at."

It's hard to see Tristan getting a run in the Broncos' NRL side in 2023.

Reece Walsh will play at fullback, and Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam will link up in the halves.

Selwyn Cobbo, Jesse Arthars, Jock Madden and Billy Walters are vying for the same positions.

But Tristan has a simple mindset.

"I'm just trying to better myself, and hopefully that does the job."

For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!