Sailor wants redemption on SFS return - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Sailor wants redemption on SFS return

By Adrian Warren 31/08/2008 03:22:18 PM Comments (0)

Resurgent St George Illawarra winger Wendell Sailor is looking for redemption this Friday when he plays at the Sydney Football Stadium for the first time since returning the positive drug test that sidelined him for two years.

The final round fixture against the Roosters offers Sailor his first opportunity to play on that ground since April 2006, when he returned a positive drugs test following a Super 14 rugby match between his NSW Waratahs and the Brumbies.

Sailor was stood down by the Waratahs just before their final regular season home game of the 2006 campaign.

"The last time I played there was for the Waratahs, I've some good memories (of the SFS), but I didn't leave that stadium on good terms obviously, with my suspension just before they made the playoffs," Sailor said.

"Obviously for me hopefully, I get the opportunity to redeem myself a little bit on that ground.

"I really enjoy playing there.

"I think it is one of the better stadiums to play at."

The Dragons could climb over the Roosters into fourth place by beating them on Friday.

Sailor, 34, hasn't played on a losing side since ending his suspension and has notched four tries in six starts for the Dragons, crossing three times in Saturday night's 40-14 flogging of Parramatta at ANZ Stadium.

Sailor said playing outside the likes of Test centres Mark Gasnier and Matt Cooper made his job easier and he didn't have to do that much work in scoring his hat-trick against the Eels.

He said while his fitness was getting better following his lengthy enforced layoff, he felt he could still improve in that area.

Dragons coach Nathan Brown said Sailor wasn't the "Dell of six years ago" but was contributing really well.

Brown felt the Dragons attack was better than it had been at any time since the 2006 season.

He felt the young players like backs Josh Morris and Jason Nightingale and forward Ben Ellis were benefiting from the experience they gained last year and that his big name players were producing the goods.

"Blokes who I suppose are earning good money are playing good, that is probably the best way of putting it, there is no way you can get around that," Brown said.

"Our younger players that came through last year have shown that last year wasn't a waste of time and wasn't a lost year."

Dragons skipper Gasnier said his team was starting to gel and every player was now probably more aware of each other's strengths but stressed they needed to maintain their momentum heading into the finals.

"We're up against some quality opposition next week. I think that's a good gauge to see how you are going into a semi-final," Gasnier said.

Brown rested forwards Jason Ryles and Dean Young in the second half of Saturday night's game due to "minor problems" but said the niggles wouldn't prevent either of them playing against the Roosters.

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