TRISTAN Sailor will never find himself short a mentor as he pursues his rugby league dream.

After all, sitting at home he’s got a dual-code international who just happens to be his father.

The teenage son of former Kangaroos and Wallabies winger Wendell is closing in on an NRL berth after being named in St George Illawarra’s development squad for 2018.

He penned a two-year contract with the club in August and has began training with the first grade players.

Round 19

Tristan wants to make a living off rugby league, and he’s well on his way to doing that.

And he could lean on his famous father for any and all advice on how to reach his goal.

But he won’t be doing that.

Tristan wants to forge his own career and step out of Wendell’s shadow.

“It’s kind of good that he’s been there and he can help me out. I do want to carve my own niche, but to have that experience from him does help,” Sailor said on Tuesday.

“I haven’t been speaking to him too much, he’s been letting me do my own thing.

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Tristan Sailor in action for Queensland in the under 20s Origin. Source: News Corp Australia

“He’s been checking how it’s been going ... but with older guys like Tariq (Sims) they are here to help you.”

As is the case with most children of famous parents, Tristan will forever have to live with the “son of a gun” tag. He will always be compared to Wendell.

And the 19-year-old has accepted that reality, and says he doesn’t feel the pressure others might be putting on him.

In fact he says he “thrives” with that external pressure on his shoulders.

“Not really ... I just want to train hard, develop, I don’t think too much about that,” he said.

“Through the juniors there’s probably been a bit of pressure, but I thrive under it.

“I played soccer until I was about eight, but because of Dad ... I wanted to follow in his footsteps, and being around that culture it’s always been a goal of mine to get in this squad.”

Now he’s earned a contract and a spot in the development squad, Sailor’s eyes are fixed firmly on making his NRL debut.

He’s got plenty in his arsenal with which to impress coach Paul McGregor.

The young gun can easily slot in on a wing, at fullback, and in the halves. It’s that versatility — combined with some blistering speed — that will make him an attractive prospect to NRL coaches.

But he admits he has to build up his body before he can mix it with the big boys.

“I’ve had a talk to (coach McGregor) ... he just wants me to really work as hard as I can, put in that effort, probably put a bit of size on and see what happens,” Sailor said.

“We have an hour wrestling session this arvo which for little guys like me is a big step up.”