Blayke Brailey has secured his future with Cronulla after putting pen to paper on a new four-year deal.
Brailey was among several big name Sharks players coming off-contract at the end of next year, but the long-term extension will see him remain in the Shire until the end of 2026.
“It’s the place I grew up, I was a local junior, I obviously wanted to stay here, so I’m excited to be a part of the future,” Brailey said after the official announcement.
“This was my first choice, I really wanted to stay, so I’m grateful to get it done.”
Brailey has played 59 games for the Sharks since making his debut in 2019. This season the 23-year-old made 24 appearances and proved himself capable as an 80-minute hooker.
The contract extension is a huge show of faith from Cronulla and indicates the club sees Brailey as their long-term No. 9 despite the arrival of Cameron McInnes from the Dragons this off-season.
While it marks another huge roster milestone for new coach Craig Fitzgibbon, who along with McInnes has brought Storm pair Dale Finucane and Nicho Hynes to the club as high-profile signings over the summer.
“He (Fitzgibbon) was good about the whole situation and (was) a reason why I wanted to stay. The first two weeks have been great, he’s a really knowledgeable coach and I’m excited to be working under him,” Brailey said of his new coach.
“Already with the pre-season I’m seeing a lot of change, the boys have come back fit and healthy and it’s a real good feel around training at the moment.
“(The new recruits) are fitting in perfectly. They are training really well and I’m enjoying building some connections with them."
Along with Brailey and McInnes, the Sharks have also added promising rake Jayden Berrell, the 2021 Queensland Cup Player of the Year who helped lead Wynnum-Manly Seagulls to the grand final.
Meanwhile, Brailey becomes the latest No. 9 to be swiftly taken off the market as a number of clubs scramble to land a hooker for season 2023.
Melbourne and Kiwi Test rake Brandon Smith recently indicated he'd signed with the Roosters, while Parramatta's Reed Mahoney is almost certain to join the Bulldogs.
