Sailor ponders retirement

Dual-code international winger Wendell Sailor is edging closer to retirement after missing out on a fairytale State of Origin recall.

Sailor, 35, is currently plying his trade for St George Illawarra Dragons after returning to rugby league at the start of 2008.

During his first spell in league, he played 14 times for Australia and 14 times for Queensland Origin, but has missed out on a Queensland recall for their third and final game against New South Wales.

Queensland have already secured a record fourth consecutive series win and there were rumours Sailor would be recalled.

Sailor’s club coach Wayne Bennett told Australian magazine Rugby League Week: “We have to be realistic about where he is at and what the future holds. Plenty of players have found that if you play on too long, things can turn nasty very quickly.

“The hard thing with something like this is getting the timing right and we will sort it out soon probably.”

Sailor added: “I am feeling good, holding my own and happy with how I am going. I have told the club to sign all the young blokes up first and see if there is any room left for me.

“It would be great to go around again but at the end of the day it is up to Wayne and (chief executive) Peter Doust.”

Sailor previously played under Bennett for Brisbane, scoring 114 tries in 189 appearances for the Broncos before switching codes.

In rugby union, Sailor played for Queensland Reds and New South Wales while also representing the Australia Wallabies 37 times between 2003 and 2006.