Sailor stands by Tuqiri's side

Wendell Sailor, who has revived his football fortunes after being dumped by rugby union, believes sacked Wallaby and good friend Lote Tuqiri can recover and finish his career on a high.

Sailor was axed by the Australia Rugby Union and banned for two years after testing positive to cocaine use in 2006 before re-launching his career in spectacular fashion with NRL outfit St George Illawarra.

Tuqiri has been playing club rugby for the past month after being left out of the first four Tests of the Wallabies' domestic international season, but Sailor says his fellow dual international can follow his lead - in either the NRL or overseas rugby ranks.

"Lote Tuqiri is 29, he's at the peak of his powers, he could go to Japan rugby, French rugby, go back to the NRL," Sailor told ABC Radio on Thursday.

"I would love to see Lote in a Dragons jersey."

Roosters skipper Craig Fitzgibbon has no doubt Tuqiri could make a successful return to rugby league despite seven years in the union ranks.

"(Lote's) a big, athletic dude. Wendell had two years out at a similar age and he's doing fine so there's no reason to say Lote wouldn't be able to come back and make an impact," he said.

"I guess it's whether the lure of overseas rugby or the NRL stands as a bigger challenge for him."

Sailor revealed he had received a text from a shell-shocked Tuqiri requesting advice as he prepares to launch legal action against the ARU.

Asked if he had a message for Tuqiri, Sailor said: "'You are 29, stay strong, you know who your family and friends are through a pretty tough time'."

"I've tried to contact him as a mate. (I got a) text message last night saying he would give me a call to have a chat.".

"I've been in contact with him over the last month because I know with someone like Lote, of his standard and ability, not to be playing at the highest level would frustrate him."

"I'm just dumbfounded (he's been sacked) because he's been a wonderful ambassador for rugby league and rugby union."