Following his concerning behavior at a State of Origin function, representatives from Wendell Sailor’s former NRL clubs are allegedly attempting to get the legendary football player evaluated at a mental health clinic.
On May 22, the 51-year-old former Wallabies player gave a guest speech at the Sheraton Grand Mirage’s inaugural Gold Coast State of Origin Lunch.
In addition to exhibiting “angry outbursts and mood swings,” Sailor was “at times incoherent and unable to hold a conversation,” which alarmed guests, according to News Corp.
According to the article, representatives of the Brisbane Broncos and St George Illawarra Dragons, two teams Sailor played for throughout his 222-game NRL career, are collecting money so he can receive treatment at a mental health clinic.
Sailor’s actions were described as “uncomfortable and extremely sad to watch” by one of the witnesses.
Since he is unable to pay for the therapy on his own, Sailor has accepted the offer of assistance and is expected to attend Sunday’s game between the clubs at Suncorp Stadium.
According to reports, Wendell Sailor (seen outside court on March 23) acted in a very alarming manner during a State of Origin ceremony.
At the inaugural Gold Coast State of Origin Lunch on May 22 at the Sheraton Grand Mirage, the former Wallabies, Broncos, and Dragons player was allegedly “at times incoherent and unable to hold a conversation.”
During his brilliant playing career, Sailor (pictured running the ball for Brisbane in 2001) became a cross-code legend. “Some people were so concerned about the behavior they feared he would either end up in jail or dead,” one club representative told the publication. “It seems he won’t get the help he needs unless he’s at rock bottom. This seems like his rock bottom.”
According to a person close to Sailor, he is completely broke.
Sailor had several criminal charges dropped in March due to mental health laws, but a magistrate advised him to avoid trouble.
The 51-year-old had entered a guilty plea to three charges: harassing police, resisting arrest, and violating bail.
Following a night of drinking at the Illawarra Master Builders Club in Wollongong on the south coast of New South Wales on December 5 last year, the sailor acknowledged resisting arrest, according to court documents.
According to court documents, Sailor acted “aggressively” and “abused police repeatedly,” and it took nine officers to get the one-time dual international into a holding area at a nearby police station.
According to reports, the Broncos and Dragons are attempting to set up Sailor’s (pictured) treatment at a mental health facility following the concerning appearance.
In March, several criminal accusations against Sailor (shown with wife Tara) were dropped due to mental health laws.
Following an altercation at Pappy’s Bar in Sydney’s central business district in November 2024, where the winger grew “aggressive and agitated,” Sailor was on bail at the time.
“Fking call the police and watch what happens.” Are you familiar with who I am? When asked to leave the premises, Sailor yelled at the bar manager, “You’re fking done.”
After Judge Jennifer Atkinson determined that Sailor’s alcohol problems, which precipitated both episodes, were connected to his mental health concerns, Sailor was exonerated of all charges pertaining to the Wollongong incident.
The magistrate disclosed that the legendary Broncos player has been taking medicine for depression and drinking for a few months.
He will now follow a treatment plan with his general practitioner to deal with his drinking and mental health problems.
The State of Origin event organizers have been approached by The Daily Mail for comment.
The former Triple M identity was accused in December of last year after police were notified that he was shouting and standing in the middle of a busy Wollongong thoroughfare at approximately 11 p.m.
After being detained and accused of reportedly violating bond, blocking traffic, and fighting officers, Sailor spent the night behind prison.
According to Daily Mail, Sailor is divorcing his wife of nearly thirty years.
When the Kangaroos won the Rugby League World Cup in 2000, the guy affectionately referred to as “Dell” was the leading try scorer for Australia in both rugby codes.
In addition, Sailor made 37 appearances for the Wallabies, including a start against England in the 2003 World Cup final.
After two seasons with the Dragons and nine seasons with the Broncos, where he won four premierships, he concluded his NRL career in 2009.
