Newcastle have confirmed signing Cronulla hooker Jayden Brailey on a three-year NRL deal beginning in 2020.
Brailey had long been linked with the Knights after the Sharks’ decision to tie down his younger brother and current back-up Blayke for the same period.
And while Jayden still had one year remaining on his current deal, the 23-year-old was granted a release to make the move to the Hunter.
“He’s an 80-minute hooker and a team player who has a great understanding of the game,” Knights coach Nathan Brown said on Wednesday.
Brailey’s signing instantly clouds the future of current Knights No.9 Danny Levi, who has a year left on his deal but has been allowed to seek other opportunities.
The New Zealand international was also one of three players axed by Brown after last week’s loss to the Wests Tigers.
Utility Connor Watson will start at dummy-half for Sunday’s match against Manly.
Knights elite pathways recruitment manager Alex McKinnon described Brailey as a future leader at the club.
“I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Jayden on a personal level and have always found him to be a wonderful young man,” McKinnon said.
“I see Jayden as an emerging leader, not only at the Knights but in the wider game. He is a person with incredible character.
“And it’s important to have those kind of quality people within your organisation.”
Brailey, who was the 2016 under-20s player of the year, has played 63 games for the Sharks since debuting in 2017.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I’d be really happy with his signing. Injuries are the only concern. The Dogs are being linked with every player in the comp at the moment so I’ll wait until he’s signed before I get too excited.
terrance
Guest
TB, expect the Bulldogs to get Api Koroisau for the next few seasons, and at 27 years of age, a good signing.
Albo
Roar Rookie
I really like Roache , but he is always got a serious injury. He cannot be relied upon unfortunately.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
yeah forgot about Roache - But he is another one who for one reason or another has played just 26 games in 3 years, so never got any consistency. I think Levi is a poor man's Segeyaro. Like you say lots of average games and one or two really good games. He is really more of a 14 than a 9. But to me he just has Warriors written all over him.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately for the Warriors, their main man for the 9 has been Roache, who now seems to be an injury crock. I like Lawton and would persevere with him ahead of Levi who has had just one good game for the Knights this year.
Albo
Roar Rookie
And I think Jayden Brailey might be the one they have been waiting for. I see a lot of Buderus in his style and he is a fully committed type. Must have been a a tough decision for the Sharks to choose between the two bothers. Jayden has more experience , but I reckon Blayke might have greater scope for development.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
Surely Levi ends up at the Warriors? Luke off contract, they don't seem to want to commit to Lawton and Tevaga is being turned more into a lock.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Exactly,Browny's bought some good players no doubt but he's also bought an imbalance of duds..or guys that just wont play for him. Ramien's the prime example..this bloke is out of the Latrelle Mitchell mould with, alas double his dose of lacksadaisability..not interested in tackling. Mann,Gavet,Lino in the 17 but should be in Maitland on form so should SKD but at least the big lunk is having a go..dont get how you can win 6 straight then suddenly force the coach to blow the side up on the eve of the finals without something more sinister happening back stage..
The Barry
Roar Guru
Why do I feel that like the Ennis / Cook / Lichaa trades the Dogs are going to finish worst out of the hooker merry-go-round and end up with Levi...?
The Barry
Roar Guru
One good one...
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Ba ha ha ahaaaaa ha ha haaa
terrance
Guest
DPS, Newcastle has always been a blue collar town, a mans town. And a blue collar mans town loves their hookers, can't get enough of them. The more the merrier!
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Levi, O'Conner, Mann.. How many hookers does this mob want??