Classy custodian Tristan Sailor has made a rapid recovery from injury to be a late call-up for the Broncos for tomorrow’s night’s heavyweight clash with the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium.
Sailor will replace Queensland fullback Reece Walsh who has been withdrawn from the Brisbane 17 after copping a serious head knock in the Maroons’ win on Wednesday night.
Brisbane’s interchange will also be adjusted with Xavier Willison missing the Round 14 clash due to the birth of his first child, replaced by Fletcher Baker.
Brisbane’s other Origin representatives Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas and Selwyn Cobbo will all line up against Cronulla after completing today’s Captain’s Run at Red Hill.
Sailor underwent ankle surgery just over three weeks ago after being injured playing for Broncos Affiliate Souths Logan Magpies in the Hostplus Cup but has since completed a seamless rehab program.
The skilful and tough 25-year-old ticked the final box on Wednesday when he completed a full opposed training session at Red Hill – and he will now take his place in Brisbane’s starting line-up wearing the No.23 jersey.
Broncos Coach Kevin Walters said: “Tristan has been magnificent with his attention to detail around his recovery – he’s been in here seven days a week for the last three weeks getting it right.
“So hats off to Tristan because it’s come at a really good time with what’s happened to Washy. Tristan has been really professional in his mindset to get back on the field and running, it’s great for him and great for our team.”
The clash with the Sharks will also see electric five-eighth Ezra Mam play his 50th NRL game, while Kangaroo centre Kotoni Staggs returns from a rib injury to bolster the Brisbane line-up.
Mam, a Broncos Academy graduate, lines up for his 50th top grade game for the club after debuting against the Knights in Round 11, 2022.
The 21-year-old, who committed to the Broncos until the end of the 2029 season by signing a five-year contract extension earlier this year, has been in sparkling form in 2024.
He has spent the past week in Queensland camp after being named as 19th man for the Maroons, having racked up seven tries, nine try assists and 10 line break assists so far this season.