The 24-year-old son of former club, Kangaroos and Wallabies great Wendell Sailor will wear the No.1 against the Warriors at Napier’s McLean Park on Saturday.

It’s one of a host of changes as Kevin Walters papers over the absence of five State of Origin representatives, but at least welcomes back captain Adam Reynolds (concussion).

Sailor will take over from Maroons call-up Reece Walsh in his first NRL game since he was charged with aggravated sexual assault, stood down and later released by St George Illawarra in 2020.

Sailor was acquitted of those charges last year though and has starred for Queensland Cup outfit Souths Logan to earn another crack.

“Really happy (for him); I played Cup with him earlier in the year and he’s one of those player that kills it every game,” Brisbane lock Kobe Hetherington said.

Sailor has scored three tries and had nine try assists and seven line break assists in nine games to help the Magpies into second after they collected the wooden spoon last year.

He played just five games for the Dragons but Hetherington said Sailor was NRL-ready after an impressive pre-season.

“He’s the fittest at the club, he was in pre-season anyway,” he said.

“We’ve seen what Tristan can do in those trials; slotted in at fullback and killed it.

“He’s fit as, he’s everywhere, doesn’t stop talking and won’t let you down.

“He’s always there when you need him … and he’s freaky too.”

Hetherington said Kurt Capewell was in a good headspace after his Origin non-selection and that Brendan Piakura was primed to add some punch in his NRL return off the bench.

“He can whack … I’m sure he’ll put some shots on for us,” he said.