NRL news: Wendell Sailor’s revelation about family as great goes public with sudden

Wendell Sailor has revealed a desire to spend more time with his family has sparked his decision to quit his role with Triple M radio effective immediately, rather than at the end of the NRL season like he planned. The NRL legend revealed in May that he’d be stepping away from his media commitments at the end of the year, leaving the ‘Rush Hour’ gig in which he’s become hugely popular.

But the 50-year-old announced over the weekend that he’s leaving the role immediately, and won’t be on radio for the remainder of the year. “I have made the decision to step back from my professional commitments with Triple M, which is effective immediately,” he said in a statement.

“My primary focus now is dedicating more time to my children and pursuing grassroots interests. I am deeply grateful for Southern Cross Austereo’s understanding and support of my decision. Balancing my career with family life is my priority, particularly as I celebrate my 50th birthday this week.

“Triple M has been an integral part of my professional journey. I have forged lifelong friendships and cherished every moment commenting on NRL matches and hosting The Rush Hour. I am thankful for the encouragement I have received and am eager for my next chapter, to concentrate on family, as well as interests such as golf and corporate opportunities.”

Southern Cross Austereo chief content officer Dave Cameron praised Sailor, saying: “SCA supports Wendell’s decision to step away from The Rush Hour and the Triple M NRL commentary team to spend more time with his family. Wendell has forged a wonderful media career since joining Triple M in 2015 and we wish him well. We will always consider Wendell a member of the Triple M family.”

Wendell Sailor had originally planned to see out the NRL season

The Brisbane Broncos and St George Illawarra Dragons great has become a popular media personality and commentator since his retirement. As well as his role on the ‘Rush Hour’ with Gus Worland and Jude Bolton, he regularly commentated on NRL games for Triple M.

The former Queensland Maroons and Australian 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 in May. “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.”

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The dual-international, who played for Australia in both rugby league and rugby union, said a conversation with former Broncos coach Wayne Bennett convinced him to step away. “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.”