Representatives from Wendell Sailor’s former NRL clubs are reportedly trying to get the footy great admitted to a mental health treatment facility following his worrying behaviour at a State of Origin event.
The 51-year-old ex-Wallabies star was a guest speaker at the Inaugural Gold Coast State of Origin Lunch at the Sheraton Grand Mirage on May 22.
Sailor caused concern among attendees as he was ‘at times incoherent and unable to hold a conversation’ in addition to demonstrating ‘angry outbursts and mood swings’, News Corp reported.
Representatives from the St George Illawarra Dragons and Brisbane Broncos – both of which Sailor played for during his 222-game NRL career – are raising funds so he can be treated at a mental health facility, according to the publication.
One witness who attended the event called Sailor’s behaviour ‘uncomfortable and extremely sad to watch’.
It’s understood Sailor will attend Sunday’s match between the teams at Suncorp Stadium, and has accepted the offer of help as he is not in a position to fund the treatment himself.
Wendell Sailor (pictured outside court on March 23) displayed deeply concerning behaviour at a State of Origin event, it has been reported
The former Broncos, Dragons and Wallabies star was ‘at times incoherent and unable to hold a conversation’ at the Inaugural Gold Coast State of Origin Lunch at the Sheraton Grand Mirage on May 22
Sailor (pictured running the ball for Brisbane in 2001) became a cross-code legend during his dazzling playing career
‘Some people were so concerned about the behaviour 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.’
A person close to Sailor said he is flat broke, it was reported.
In March, Sailor had a number of criminal charges dismissed under mental health legislation – but was warned by a magistrate he must stay out of trouble.
The 51-year-old had pleaded guilty to three charges, including resisting arrest, breaching bail and intimidating police.
Sailor admitted to resisting arrest after a night of drinking at the Illawarra Master Builders Club in Wollongong on the NSW south coast on December 5 last year, court documents revealed.
It took nine officers to get the one-time dual international inside a custody area at a nearby police station, with court documents revealing Sailor acted ‘aggressively’ and ‘abused police repeatedly’.
Representatives from the Broncos and Dragons are trying to arrange for Sailor (pictured) to be treated in a mental health facility after the worrying appearance, it has been reported
Sailor (pictured with wife Tara) had a number of criminal charges dismissed under mental health legislation in March
At the time, Sailor was on bail following an incident at Pappy’s Bar in Sydney’s CBD in November 2024, during which the winger became ‘aggressive and agitated’.
‘F**king call the cops and see what happens. Do you know who I am? You’re f**king done,’ Sailor shouted at the bar manager when asked to leave the venue.
Sailor was cleared of all charges relating to the Wollongong incident after magistrate Jennifer Atkinson found his issues with alcohol, which sparked both incidents, were related to his mental health struggles.
The Broncos great has been on medication for several months to treat both depression and alcoholism, the magistrate revealed.
He will now carry out a treatment plan with his GP to address his mental health and alcohol issues.
Last December, the former Triple M identity was charged after police received reports that he was yelling and standing in the middle of a busy Wollongong road at around 11pm.
Sailor spent the night behind bars after being arrested and charged with allegedly breaching bail, obstructing traffic and resisting arrest.
Daily Mail understands Sailor is separating from his wife of almost 30 years.
The man affectionately known as ‘Dell’ represented Australia in both rugby codes, and was the top try-scorer when the Kangaroos won the Rugby League World Cup in 2000.
Sailor also made 37 appearances for the Wallabies, including starting in the 2003 World Cup final against England.
He finished his NRL career in 2009 after nine seasons with the Broncos – where he won four premierships – and two seasons with the Dragons.
