Broncos legend Gorden 'Raging Bull' Tallis has suggested that Brisbane coach Kevin Walters should leverage Tristan Sailor's dynamic abilities in the halves for the upcoming Queensland derby against the Dolphins, especially with Reece Walsh nearing his return and Adam Reynolds sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
The prognosis on Reynolds' hamstring tear appears to be more optimistic than initially thought, and he will likely only miss a few weeks. Tallis believes that there has to be a place for Sailor, the son of iconic winger Wendell Sailor, and that it should be alongside another young gun in Ezra Mam.
Many NRL teams would likely be chomping at the bit to have a player like Sailor at their disposal, especially considering his coverage of multiple positions. When Reece Walsh and Adam Reynolds find their way back into the team, it's hard to see where Tristan is most relevant.
With a pivotal round 6 clash at Suncorp Stadium against the first-placed Dolphins on the cards, the Broncos are considering their options with Jock Madden appearing to be the front-runner.
Sailor's versatility and recent performances, particularly in the absence of Walsh at fullback, have sparked discussions about his potential inclusion in the halves alongside Mam.
โIf Reece Walsh is fit, Tristan Sailor could be a fantastic option in the halves,โ Gorden Tallis remarked per News Corp following Brisbane's recent narrow defeat against the Melbourne Storm.
Sailor's exceptional pre-season form and his adaptability, being able to play multiple positions including five-eighth and halfback, have made him a candidate for regular selection in the top 17, according to Walters.
I have no idea what Tristan Sailor is earning right now, but heโs a $700,000 player the moment the NRL brings in an 18th team.#NRLStormBroncos
— Warren Smith (@WarrenSmithFOX) April 4, 2024
Options for the Broncos include recalling Madden, who previously filled in for Reynolds, or reshuffling the backline to accommodate Sailor in the halves, possibly moving Selwyn Cobbo to fullback and bringing in veteran Corey Oates on the wing if Walsh isn't ready to return.
Former NSW Blues and Newcastle Knights star Matty Johns agrees that Sailor has exceptional promise, but lamented that Ezra Mam is a five-eighth, not a game-managing halfback.
โJock Madden is a good young player, I think he will come into the side,โ Johns said.
โI just think with Ezra, the logical thing is to move him to seven, but it would affect his game steering the side around the park. I think they will go with a specialist halfback in Jock Madden,โ Johns continued.
โTristan is the ultimate team player,โ Wendell Sailor noted, further pushing a potential 'havoc-wreaking' partnership with Mam.
Kevin Walters also faces defensive challenges, with the Storm racking up 34 points against the Broncos in Round 5.
The 34 point come from these dumb SHORT DROP OUTS, 4 drop outs 3 trys, the sooner Kevvy get on top of the boys for ridiculous play the better Brisbane will be. Why give a team field position puts them in the red zone on 1st tackle, Brisbane need the start doing long drop outs again and get over the short play it really does not work specially being we have a lot shorter wings. Come on Kevvy go back to the old school footy were we give nothing away.