The football fraternity has stepped in to help Wendell Sailor after an alarming display of erratic and volatile behaviour at a charity event.

Australian footy great Wendell Sailor is in desperate need of help, after an embarrassing display of erratic and volatile behaviour during a State of Origin charity event — behaviour so concerning the football fraternity stepped in to help him into a mental health facility.

The former Brisbane Broncos and Wallabies winger was a guest speaker at the Inaugural Gold Coast State of Origin Lunch on May 22 at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. The event raised funds to support Burleigh Bears player Jacek “Yak” McLaurin, who suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury during a Queensland Cup trial match on February 21.

This special luncheon brought together rugby league legends, business leaders, and fans to celebrate the passion and rivalry of State of Origin.

Sailor was a guest speaker along with Broncos great Gordon Tallis and Blues player Greg Bird.

Former NRL and Wallabies star Wendell Sailor had charges against him dismissed. Picture: NewsWire/Gaye Gerard
A number of witnesses said Sailor was behaving erratically throughout the event, having angry outbursts, mood swings and that he was at times incoherent and unable to hold a conversation.

One said it was “uncomfortable and extremely sad to watch”.

News.com.au understands organisers, and representatives from football clubs including Brisbane and St George Illawarra were contacted about Sailor’s concerning behaviour and the tight-knit NRL community was working together to get Sailor the help he needs.

They were rallying to raise funds needed to admit him into a treatment facility.

News.com.au understands Sailor, who has accepted the help, plans to attend Sunday’s game between his two former clubs Broncos and Dragons.

“Some people were so concerned about the behaviour they feared he would either end up in jail or dead,” one said.

“It seems he won’t get the help he needs unless he’s at rock bottom. This seems like his rock bottom.”

Sources close to Sailor say he is not financially in a position to seek the help he needs, and the football network is rallying together to help him with the finances.

He had agreed to enter a treatment facility for the next three weeks.

“He doesn’t have a dollar to his name, so people want to help him, he’s a great of both games, but it will come down to whether he will accept the help in the end,” one said.

Wendell Sailor was a fan favourite when he played for St George-Illawarra Dragons.

Wendell Sailor, a dual international has had a rough few years off the field. The football community is rallying around him.
“Unfortunately it looks like he’s not ready yet.”

It’s been a dramatic fall from grace for Sailor.

In March this year a judge dismissed all charges relating to two alleged drunken rampages, one in Sydney and one in Wollongong, against Sailor under mental health grounds.

The Sydney magistrate dismissed all charges against him, including assault, intimidation, and resisting police, on mental health grounds, discharging him into the care of his doctor to undergo treatment for depression and alcohol abuse.

The court heard that Sailor had turned to alcohol abuse following the death of his mother and the breakdown of his 28-year marriage. Because he had a previously unblemished record and demonstrated clear links between his offences and mental health struggles, the magistrate opted to dismiss the charges under mental health legislation rather than hand down a conviction or sentence.

Wendell Sailor celebrating after the Brisbane Broncos beat Sydney Roosters in the 200 NRL grand final.

A fan holds a ‘Hello Sailor’ sign as the crowd welcomes Wendell Sailor to the field, during St George-Illawarra Dragons v Brisbane Broncos NRL match at WIN Stadium in Wollongong in 2008. Picture: Brett Costello
Known for his explosive power as a winger, Sailor represented the Broncos and Dragons during his 222-game NRL career,

He tallied 17 games for Queensland, 22 matches for the Kangaroos and 189 games for the Brisbane Broncos.

No stranger to controversy, he then crossed codes, playing 37 Tests for the Wallabies, before a drug ban for testing positive to cocaine ended his time in rugby union.

After a two-year ban, Sailor returned to rugby league, ending his career with the Dragons.

Having forged a career in the media, Sailor announced his retirement from Triple M “effective immediately” in July, 2024.

He had been a popular commentator and broadcaster on the Sydney drive show The Rush Hour with Gus, Jude & Wendell, alongside Gus Worland and Swans legend Jude Bolton.

Sailor had been a key member of the network’s commentary team since 2015.