Wendell Sailor, one of the highest-paid players in world rugby, is set to cash in on a Christmas bonus after spending the last two months playing for fun.

The Brisbane Broncos rugby league star has been forced to turn out as an amateur for Leeds Tykes in the Allied Dunbar Premiership after the Rugby Football Union refused to accept his work permit.

But the 24-year-old Australian Test winger will return to his first love by playing in two friendly matches for the Tykes' sister club, the Rhinos, against Halifax on Boxing Day and Castleford on New Year's Day, before resuming his amateur stint.

"They might be friendlies but the supporters are very passionate about them," said Sailor. "I can't wait to get out there and a score a try or two. I would be disappointed if in the two games I didn't score any tries."

Scoring tries has come naturally for the blockbusting wingman. He has registered 68 touchdowns in 105 starts for Brisbane and has scored 11 with the Tykes in nine appearances.

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