Sporting News

From Barden Ridge to the big leagues: Brailey brothers reminisce on journey to the NRL ahead of Knights-Sharks clash

Sporting News logo Sporting News 15/04/2021 03:03:00 Liam O'Loughlin

There have been some great brothers in the history of rugby league.

Kevin, Kerrod and Steve Walters. Andrew and Matty Johns. Josh and Brett Morris.

Some were teammates, others were opponents. 

In round six this season, another chapter in the story of NRL brothers will be written, when Jayden and Blayke Brailey face off for the first time.

The pair came through the ranks together in the Cronulla competition, and both made their debuts for their local club - but at the end of 2019, Jayden moved on to the Newcastle Knights.

2020 was meant to be a fresh start for the 24-year old, but unfortunately he ruptured his ACL in just the second game of the season

That left a huge hole in the Knights outfit, but it also robbed us of the opportunity to see him face off against younger brother Blayke.

On Friday night, that will become a reality - and it's already on the mind of the Cronulla hooker. 

"That was definitely the first game I looked up and circled," Blayke told SEN's Breakfast With Vossy

"We don't have to wait around too long to verse each other. I'm still at home, so I've got four weeks to convert my parents to go for the Sharks and not the Newcastle Knights.

"I'm buttering them up and cooking dinner for them every night.

"Growing up he was the person I looked up to. Everything he did in rugby league and outside of footy, I want to be exactly like that. It's good to have that sort of role model and for him to get in the NRL was something I really enjoyed.

"I could pick his brain, get little tips and tricks with my position since we play the same position. For him to make the NRL and achieve so much at such a young age, it is really inspiring for me."

Jayden made his debut in 2017 for the Sharks, and played 70 games for the club before moving on. Blayke joined him in 2019, and has since played 36 games for his local club.

The pair both played their junior football for the Aquinas Colts in Menai - but as Jayden recalls, his time in the juniors was nowhere near as successful as his younger sibling.

"I had a great time playing for the Aquinas Colts out in Menai and growing up around there. I probably didn't have as much as joy as Blayke - I think he won 15 comps in a row out there," he said.

"Unfortunately, I didn't get to win a premiership. Dad actually coached Blayke's side and his side was stacked - he stood back and waited to coach the better team.

"It probably made Blayke and I the players we are today - I had a great time out there.

"We shared a room growing up out at Barden Ridge. We used to always play tackle footy out on the trampoline in the backyard.

"I remember Blayke was a big Wests Tigers fan and I was a big Roosters fan - I remember we went to the 2004 grand final between Roosters and Bulldogs. I converted Blayke over to follow the Roosters. I ended up going home in tears after the Bulldogs won.

"We always loved footy growing up, and playing in the NRL has always been a massive dream.

"A couple of years ago to play together and especially in Blayke's NRL debut, it was probably one of the most memorable games I will ever have in my career."

While Jayden was starved of success in the juniors, Blayke thrived alongside the likes of Kyle Flanagan and Bronson Xerri for the Colts.

The 22-year old fancies himself the better-looking brother, but both of them admitted that Jayden got the brains in the family.

All eyes will be on them in round six when they run out to face each other - especailly now that Jayden is co-captain of the Newcastle outfit.

He knows that the pressure will be on when he faces his brother and his former teammates for the first time. 

"I'm sure there will be plenty of sledging - not just from Blayke, but from the whole team," he said.

"I've obviously still got a lot of mates there at Cronulla, and I dare say I will be copping it left, right and centre.

"I reckon I will end up converting mum and dad over."

jeudi 15 avril 2021 06:03:00 Categories: Sporting News

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