You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content
The Brailey brothers Jayden and Blayke.

Blayke Brailey says he isn't feeling any pressure to emulate his brother Jayden when he takes over as Cronulla's first-choice hooker next year.

Blayke is rated among the game's brightest up-and-comers and the Sharks have entrusted the 21-year-old to wear their No.9 for at least three years, with Jayden moving to Newcastle.

While 23-year-old Jayden has forged a reputation as a rugged defender who delivers crisp service since his 2017 debut, Blayke told NRL.com he hopes to bring some extra flair.

"I'm just going to do my thing and do my best for the team," said Blayke, who played 15 matches in his rookie season this year.

"I want to bring a lot of attack out of dummy half. Running more, kicking, just trying to always keep the defence in two minds.

Five key match-ups of the Sharks' 2020 draw

"I've been working hard on my attack."

Having starting on the bench behind Jayden for all but one of his NRL appearances to date, the local junior is now set on going the distance each week.

"I really want to be playing 80 minutes. That's my goal," he said. "I like to be in the game for the whole period and I don't really like coming off."

However, the skilful rake has learned lessons from coming on late as an interchange player that he thinks will come in handy.

"Those first few games I tried to play 80 minutes in five minutes and got a bit too tired," Blayke said.

"The game's normally won in those last 20-minute periods so I'll definitely be taking that out of last year."

Magic Round gets even better in 2020

Having returned to pre-season training last Wednesday, Blayke said he spent much of his six-week break eating and lifting weights in an attempt to bulk up.

He's now around 84 kilograms and is looking to add a couple more before the season starts.

"I was having steak for breakfast, whatever I can just to put on a bit of weight," he said.

"I went to the gym a lot and just probably the two last weeks I did a lot more running. That's always sort of my goal for the off-season.

"Every year I've got to put on about four kilos."

The Brailey household is a little quieter without Jayden, who left home to set up a life in Newcastle about a month ago, and Blayke admitted he already misses his older sibling.

"It was a bit weird at the start but I have another younger brother, Taj, and he's always keeping me on my toes," Blayke said.

"He actually took Jayden's room. I didn't want him fighting for it. Jayden's a bit messy so I just let him have it."

Acknowledgement of Country

New South Wales Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

Platinum Partner

Major Partners

View All Partners