Sailor makes rugby league return

Sailor will play for his old Broncos coach Wayne Bennett next season

Disgraced dual code Australian international Wendell Sailor is to return to rugby league after serving a two-year ban for cocaine.

Sailor, who won 37 caps after switching to rugby union in 2002, is to join St George Illawarra Dragons until 2009.

"I'm very excited and I'm grateful to the Dragons for giving me the chance," said the 33-year-old.

"I can still compete at a high level and it's comforting to know I now have a real opportunity to do so."

During his highly successful first spell in rugby league playing for the Brisbane Broncos, Sailor scored 12 tries in 16 Tests for the Kangaroos and represented Queensland in the State of Origin series.

Next season he will be reunited with his former Broncos coach Wayne Bennett, who is to succeed current Dragons coach Nathan Brown.

Sailor admitted to having "some dark days when I didn't think I could probably come back," during his absence, but thanked Brown for giving him "the opportunity to put things right and to finish on my terms".

He is expected to play for the Dragons' feeder club Shellharbour Martins on Saturday.

"Wendell is a great athlete and particularly a great rugby league player. He is a person who brings significant attributes to our club," said Dragons chief executive Peter Doust.

"We have conducted detailed reviews of his injury history, fitness base and overall commitment to achieve, and believe this new partnership will generate positives for both parties.

"We are confident he can be effective for the club, on and off the field.

"Wendell has a specific educational message to communicate, off the field, and an opportunity to reposition his status as a rugby league player, an athlete and a valued citizen of our community."