By any measure it’s been a good year for Newtown Jets hooker Jayden Berrell.
He was named in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Team of the Year, then helped steer his side to the 2024 premiership over the North Sydney Bears.
At age 29 he made his NRL debut with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, and he cleaned up at the Jets’ end-of-season presentation night winning both Players’ Player and Members Player of the Year.
“It’s been one of those years I’ll look back and cherish,” Berrell told nswrl.com.au. (Photo above: Bryden Sharp)
“I finally got my NRL debut, finally cracked a premiership – I lost two up in Queensland with Wynnum Manly – so good to get that chip off my shoulder.”
But one thing Berrell will probably be remembered universally for in 2024 was the cover tackle on Norths Devils fullback Jordan Lipp in the NRL State Championship final on Sunday 6 October.
Lipp had beaten four Jets defenders as he motored down the left sideline of Accor Stadium on NRL Grand Final Day. He was in full flight over 55 metres but Berrell ran him down and into touch, reviving memories of Penrith’s Scott Sattler catching Sydney Roosters winger Todd Byrne, or North Queensland’s Tom Dearden bringing down Brisbane’s Selwyn Cobbo centimetres before the line earlier this year.
“It was a funny one. When he took off and I started running towards him, in my head I was actually thinking ‘This could be one of those Scott Sattler moments’.
“I even tried to give him a bit of room to think that he had me… it was just one of those moments. I’ve been around long enough so when you see a break you just kick into gear.
“I’ve never been the flashiest player. My game is effort-on-effort plays so they are the things I hold my hat on and I was fortunate enough to come up with a big play in that game.”
It was a breakout year in many instances for Berrell but he did nothing different in his off-season preparations.
“Not really. I guess just every year I keep learning more about the game and getting better at the way I play.
“Maybe people just noticed me more this year, I don’t know. But it was a good year.”
After all the football had finished, Berrell sat down and re-signed with the Sharks for 2025.
“That will be my fourth year with them, so hopefully get a few more first grade games,” he said.
Some might think that at age 29 Berrell wouldn’t realise his NRL dream. But he now has three NRL matches to add to the 154 appearances in Queensland Cup and NSW Cup combined.
“You’ve just got to understand, if you’re going to be in this industry, that some of us are fringe football players who might take as long as I did to get their opportunity,” Berrell said.
“Some kids might come straight in and get that chance. But I’ve been fortunate that the Sharks have wanted me the last few years … and they eventually gave me my debut which is an achievement I’ve always wanted.
“It’s very special. I don’t mind being there every week helping them (the Sharks) train and prepare. It was the cherry on top to get my debut.”
More NRL games and the chance to defend The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup title is plenty of motivation for Berrell as the Jets head back into pre-season training.
“Once we get rolling again and the 2025 season kicks off next year, it will be the same goal – win the premiership.”
