Tristan Sailor puts NRL world on notice amid Reece Walsh conundrum for Broncos

Broncos fans are calling for flying fullback Tristan Sailor to find a position in the club's best 17 players after a dazzling pre-season display, despite sitting behind Reece Walsh in the squad. Sailor was magnificent in the NRL team's 26-16 win over feeder club Wynnum Manly Seagulls on Saturday.

The son of NRL and Wallabies great Wendell Sailor, the 25-year-old showed his class in the reserve grade clash as he set-up three tries and scored one himself as the Broncos came from behind in the duel. Sailor's cut-out pass saw the Broncos go over for their first try, before he battered the ball back from a bomb to set-up the second.

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The Broncos were made to work hard for their victory having gone down 16-8 against the Seagulls. However, Sailor was involved in everything and helped the Broncos go on a 18-0 run to win the match. He was able to pull off a banana kick Ethan Quai-Ward to get back into the game.

With the Broncos edging closer, it was Sailor's final solo try that sealed the game. The fullback used his blistering speed to dance past multiple defenders to claim the 26-16 win for the Broncos. Sailor appears too good to be playing reserve grade as he showed his undeniable class against the Seagulls.

"He has been a class above, he is a very classy player. It is a pity he is behind Reece Walsh in the squad. But he is a proven NRL player," the commentator said after Sailor's try. Unfortunately, he will play back-up to Maroons fullback Walsh at club level.

Walsh himself is 21 and is arguably already the best fullback in the game. Kevin Walters will feel fortunate to have such a talented player waiting to get his chance. Although many fans feel Sailor's display proved he is too classy to still be playing reserve grade.

The 25-year-old signed an extension with the club until the end of 2025. Although clubs will be circling of the fullback doesn't get the game time he deserves in 2024. This has seen some call for the fullback to feature off the bench this year for the Broncos.

Reece Walsh given all clear for Las Vegas clash

The Broncos' win over the Seagulls comes as the club gets ready for their opening clash against the Roosters at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on March 3 (AEDT), after the Manly Sea Eagles and South Sydney Rabbitohs kick off the new season at the same ground. The showpiece double-header is the NRL's first foray into the United States and an opportunity for the sport to tap into the lucrative American market.

Brisbane's Walsh is one of the biggest draw-cards in the NRL, but reports suggested the club were waiting on confirmation he could travel to the US. Walsh's absence would have represented a massive blow to the code if some of the game's best players were refused entry into the USA. However, such fears have been put to bed after reports the NRL, Broncos and Roosters were informed on Friday that Walsh and Smith had been given the all clear.

The news will come as a massive relief to the players, clubs and fans, as well as ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys, who touted Walsh as one of the biggest selling points to America. The electrifying fullback established himself as one of the biggest and most exciting talents in the NRL in 2023 and he has already been doing his bit to spruik the Las Vegas venture, featuring in a brilliant promotional moment with NFL legend Tom Brady recently.

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