ABOVE: Wendell Sailor as a youngster, and (below) with parents Daniel and Alison.

ABOVE: Wendell Sailor as a youngster, and (below) with parents Daniel and Alison.

FOOTBALL star Wendell Sailor has shocked the country this week, announcing that he was adopted.

He has launched his autobiography, Crossing the Line, where he dives into the story of how he found out he was adopted when he was 12.

He grew up in Sarina with parents, Daniel, who has since died, and Alison Sailor, who remained in Sarina until about a year ago before she moved to Brisbane.

Sailor wrote that after being born in Royal Brisbane Hospital in 1974, his biological mother couldn't cope and gave him to her neighbours, Daniel and Alison Sailor.

"Swing the switch to 'self-destruct'," Sailor wrote.

It has been reported both his biological mother and Mrs Sailor are South Sea Islander descendants and all Sailor knows of his biological father is that he was West Indian.

"I still don't understand how a mum could give her kids away. Over all these years I've been hating her a little bit and been disappointed with her," he wrote.

"Look, I'm no angel. I get it. Maybe it had been a one-night stand or maybe she couldn't cope.

"But as a kid, I wondered why."

He said his mum (Alison) told him he was adopted when he was 12.

"I met Penny (his biological mother) once or twice when I was young. I'd say hello and mum (Alison) would say, 'That's your auntie'," he wrote.

"I was crash-tackled by the biggest question anybody can ask themselves: who am I? I know there's a beast inside of me and every so often it tries to raise its head, but I'm usually able to keep it down."

Sailor played for the Brisbane Broncos and Australia.

He switched codes to rugby union in 2001.

He started playing rugby union with the Queensland Reds and then the Wallabies the following year.

LIFE STORY: Wendell Sailor and wife Tara during Golden Slipper Day at Rosehill Gardens, Sydney, in 2010. COVER PHOTOS: Wendell at Cutters training and as a toddler. TRACEY NEARMYCONTRIBUTED

WENDELL Sailor's aunty, Nola Nehow, said she was surprised he decided to publicly announce he was adopted, but said that it was his decision.

"Someone did tell me about (it) but I kind of got surprised but I can't comment on it because it's his wishes, whatever he wants to do," she said. "He makes his own choices".

Ms Nehow said she hadn't read his book yet but would when it was released in Mackay.

It is believed the book won't hit the Mackay shelves until October 1.

Along with his adoption, Mr Sailor's autobiography also explores his banning from rugby union in 2006 when he tested positive to cocaine during a routine drug test.

He also writes about the toll racism takes on elite sport and the importance of having good friends, mentors and family.