Dominic Brock | rugbyleaguelive.com | 13/05/08 | 0
New St George Illawarra recruit and dual international Wendell Sailor says he has not lost any speed in the two years he spent out of professional sport, and believes he could have a secret weapon up his sleeve.
Sailor says he has "grown up" after two years on the sidelines following a drug ban, handed down after the former Broncos star tested positive to cocaine.
Sailor returns to rugby league for the first time since 2001, having enjoyed lucrative stints with the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs rugby union franchises.
The one-time winger made speed and strength his trademark during the first part of his rugby league career, but now insists he is as strong and fast as ever – and also boasts a decent kicking game following his time in rugby.
But most of all, the 33-year-old says he’s "grown up".
"I took for granted how fortunate we were as players," Sailor told News Limited.
"Coming into the Broncos at 18, I thought it was just a God-given right to play finals and to play football. Certainly, there's boundaries that you shouldn't cross, and my behaviour wasn't acceptable.
"I was carrying on like a bit of a rock star, I suppose, and football wasn't my first priority. Binge drinking and drugs certainly were my demise, and I've worked on that. I'd like people to think that [in] two years, I've learnt my lesson. I've copped a hard time but deservedly so."
And while the Dragons will be in no hurry to hand Sailor the kicking duties, the reformed star believes he’s made plenty of improvement in that area.
"Before I left rugby league, I didn't have any kicking skills, but I think my kicking's all right," he said.
"Well maybe not, I don't want to rap myself, but I think I'm all right. The Shellharbour Marlins might need a kicker so I'll ask their coach."
I'd like people to think that [in] two years, I've learnt my lesson. I've grown up.
Wendell Sailor on his two-year drug ban
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