Rookie Sailor works with Mam in hard-to-beat combination

BY ALF WILSON PIC SUPPLIED BY THE BRONCOS

Debutant Tristan Sailor (pictured centre right) starred with Ezra Mam in the Brisbane Broncos exciting 26-22 win over the Warriors in NRL round 13.

Playing his first match for the Broncos, the 24-year-old Tristan lined up at fullback in place of Reece Walsh who was in the Queensland State of Origin team.

Tristan has the ideal pedigree to be a quality NRL player as the son of former Broncos, Queensland Maroons and Test great Wendell Sailor.

The speedy Tristan previously played five NRL matches for St George Dragons back in 2020, and has been shining in the Queensland Cup this season before his promotion to the Broncos.

Tristan and Ezra produced incredible try-saving tackles in the opening 30 minutes against the Warriors in New Zealand.

Tristan got his hand under a ball of a Warriors player who had crossed the line and was awarded a try by the referee.

However the bunker overturned the decision and replays showed that Tristan has saved a four pointer.

“That’s no try! What an effort. Well done, that’s the tackle of the season that one,” Fox Sport commentator Steve Roach said.

Five eighth Ezra’s miraculous save came afterwards when he held up Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak in the corner.

Fox Sport commentator Warren Smith said “What a tackle that is. Tristan Sailor and now Ezra Mam, both saving tries for the Broncos in the exact same piece of the field.”

Ezra topped off a fine performance with a try in the 53rd minute.

He relished lining up next to champion halfback Adam Reynolds and the win saw the Broncos sitting on top of the NRL ladder.

The depleted Broncos were without Origin players Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, Payne Haas, Thomas Flegler and Pat Carrigan.

SEBASTIAN’S INJURY CONCERN

Tough fullback Sebastian “Seb” Kris left the field with a knee injury midway through the first half of the Canberra Raiders upset 33-26 win over the high rolling South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday night.

Flying Saibai Islander Alex Johnston scored two tries for the Rabbitohs in the 28th and 50th minutes and narrowly missed out on a hattrick.

Mabuiag Islander Seb has played every match for the Raiders at number one this season and is in doubt for the Raiders round 14 match against the rejuvenated West Tigers.

Dane Gagai In Career Best Attacking Form

After more than 250 NRL games, talented centre Dane Gagai is in career best attacking form.

Dane played a leading role in the Knights 28-18 win over the Manly Sea Eagles at Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.

Cowboys Lose Without Cotter

Meanwhile the Cowboys missed Origin player and key forward Reuben Cotter, as they went down 24-16 to the Parramatta Eels.

Scores were deadlocked at 6-all at half time but the Eels finished the stronger.

The loss has the Cowboys sitting 16th on the ladder with an uphill battle to repeat last year’s finals appearances.

Brenko Solid For Dolphins

Powerful centre Brenko Lee was solid in attack and defence for the Dolphins in their 26-12 win over St George Dragons in NRL round 13 last Thursday night.

Brenko made numerous strong runs and fired out precision passes to set up two tries and made many tackles. One of the biggest centres in the comp, Brenko is a key member of the Dolphins backline.

They now sit sixth on the NRL ladder and meet the Warriors at Auckland in the next round.

THURSDAY ISLAND to SEISIA: Depart 6.30AM & 2.30PM

2023 re Winds of Zenadth Cultural Festival.