Blayke Brailey’s journey at the Sharks began as a 13-year-old academy player with hopes and dreams.
From there he worked at his craft, leant the necessary lessons along the way, and now a little over a decade later, having established himself as one of the premier hookers in the NRL, Brailey will chalk up a memorable milestone when he runs out for his 100th NRL game in the local derby clash against the Dragons on Thursday night.
Not one to get overly excited or into making outlandish predictions or statements, Brailey was just aiming to enjoy the game and to help his team claim the all-important competition points.
“It’s a special occasion for me and my family, obviously playing 100 games is no easy feat. To play one I was happy with, but to be racking up 100 is really exciting,” Brailey said. ‘’But its more about winning and the team than about me, so I just hope we win.
“I’m not too worried about how I play, I just hope we get the two points and we can kick start the back end of our career.”
Coach Craig Fitzgibbon knows how valuable Brailey is to his team and was looking for the playing group to make the 100th game one to remember.
“He is highly valued by his teammates for his consistency and toughness, incredibly skilful, I think that is pretty obvious, but his toughness is underestimated,” Fitzgibbon said.
“We need to make sure we go out there make it a memorable night for him.”
Brailey debuted for the Sharks in Round 1, 2019, in a match where he came off the bench against the Knights, playing in the same 17 as older brother Jayden who was Cronulla’s starting hooker.
In showing his resilience and durability despite his slight frame, since making that debut in 2019, Brailey has played 26, 24 and 20 NRL games respectively over each of the three previous seasons, along with all 14 matches so far in 2023.
Ironically his first top grade try also came in the company of Jayden, a 78th minute four pointer in a big Sharks win over the Cowboys in Townsville, with both Brailey boys on the field at the time.
He has since gone on to score 12 tries in his 99 games to date, however it has been a combination of his resolute defence and slick service from dummy half that has made Brailey such an integral member of the Cronulla team, with his ability now being recognised outside of the inner sanctum at the Sharks.
“He got a bit of recognition by going to the Blues camp, that’s a good sign people are starting to notice him,” Fitzgibbon said.
Brailey was presented with his 100th game jersey on Wednesday morning by big brother Jayden, with dad Glenn, mum Carla and younger brother Taj also present to celebrate the occasion.
CLICK HERE for Blayke Brailey’s player profile.
