Tristan Sailor was once one of the NRL’s most promising young stars after bursting onto the scene towards the end of the 2019 season for the St George Illawarra Dragons at 21-years-old.

He is the son of former player Wendell Sailor who played 222 games from the Broncos and Dragons, also excelling on the representative stage in his 17 appearances for Queensland in State of Origin and his five caps for Australia.

Young Tristan carried heavy expectations on his shoulders due to his namesake with many tipping him to match or even surpass the level of success of his father.

However, everything came crashing down for Sailor when he was charged with sexual assault in October of 2020.

This off-field situation would lead to the fullback not playing a game in the NRL since and parting ways with the Dragons.

Ex-NRL player Tristan Sailor has been found not guilty of rape.

Story: https://t.co/y6Gdn7ASMs pic.twitter.com/yc0sy9HKiT

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) March 31, 2022

After over a year and a half Sailor was today deemed not guilty of the charges given to him.

He will now be free to make a return to Rugby League if he so chooses with his versatility sure to help him find a club.

The Canberra Raiders have been linked with multiple halves recently including Jock Madden and Luke Brooks from the Tigers who are looking for a half to fill the boots of injured number seven Jamal Fogarty until he returns halfway through the season.

Sailor could prove a valuable halves partner to former Dally M Medallist Jack Wighton or a solid backup to rookie Brad Schneider.

 
The Parramatta Eels have been looking to replace injured winger Maika Sivo and thought they had their man in Sean Russell who unfortunately suffered a punctured lung in round one and has also been relegated to the sidelines.

If the Eels were to sign Sailor they would be getting a player who has displayed great promise in the position before and at a low price too.

Another option for Sailor would be to make his return to Rugby League at a Super League club where he would have more opportunities to prove himself and make an effective transition back into the game.