The former Broncos and Dragons player is still widely adored by NRL fans.
NRL fans have expressed their sadness after Wendell Sailor revealed he’ll be quitting his role on Triple M at the end of the season. The Brisbane Broncos and St George Illawarra Dragons great has become a popular commentator since his retirement and regularly calls game for Triple M.
But the 49-year-old revealed on Thursday that he won’t be continuing his commentary role in 2025 and will scale back his media commitments in order to spend more time with family. The former Queensland and Kangaroos winger has two kids with wife Tara – son Tristan (who now plays for the Broncos) and daughter Matisse.
“I’m not calling any more football after this year,” Sailor told The Courier Mail. “I’m having a break from commentating. I have been calling the footy for a long time. I will do the Rush Hour show and then I will get back and do grassroots stuff. I’m going to go and support my kids.”
The dual-international, who represented Australia in both rugby league and rugby union, said a conversation with former Broncos coach Wayne Bennett convinced him to make the decision. “I spoke to Wayne and he has been really good for me,” he said. “He said ‘Del, when you were at your best, what were you doing?’ I said just being around people, doing the corporate stuff with you.
“I’m going to get back to doing corporate stuff, playing golf and supporting Tristan and my daughter. I am 50 next year and my son and daughter need me around, so next year I will have a break from calling footy.”
The news left NRL fans with mixed emotions. Many were left saddened to hear of his decision considering how popular he is on radio, however many more commended him for putting his family first.