Sailor to start on wing
February 19, 2002

It's a rematch of last year's Super 12 semifinal, with one big addition - the newest kid on the block in rugby union.

Wendell Sailor, who made a high-profile switch from the Brisbane Broncos in Australia's National Rugby League to the former amateur code last year, has been named in the Queensland Reds squad to play defending champions the ACT Brumbies at Canberra on Saturday.

Sailor is certain to start on the left wing for the Reds, despite only playing one full game for Queensland since switching codes last October.

The Queensland selectors named Sailor to partner Wallaby Ben Tune on the wing ahead of his rivals Ricky Nalatu and Junior Pelesasa.

Sailor made his only full appearance for the Reds in last week's 60-26 loss to the Blues in a trial game in Auckland. "His strength will be an asset although he still has lots of areas where he needs to improve," said Queensland coach Mark McBain.

Union novice Sailor is one of the highest paid players in the game, earning as much as A$750 000 a season.

Although he may spend much of this year struggling with the technicalities with the 15-a-side game, union officials are confident he will be a crowd pleaser and develop into a key player for Australia's World Cup defence next year.

"Obviously there is a lot of confidence being shown in me and I'm sure I can do the job," said Sailor.

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