Cronulla’s Iron Man Blayke Brailey Commits Long-Term Future to Sharks

Sharks Secure Key Playmaker for the Long Haul

Cronulla Sharks have secured the services of dynamic dummy half Blayke Brailey until the end of 2030, with the 26-year-old’s stellar form in 2025 putting him in contention for national selection in the upcoming Ashes series against England.

The accomplished hooker, who has claimed the Porter Gallen Medal as the club’s NRL Player of the Year for the past two seasons, has proven himself to be a crucial asset to the team’s success. His journey with the Sharks began in their development system at just 13 years old.

Record-Breaking Consistency

Brailey has established himself as the NRL’s premier ironman, with an impressive streak of 104 consecutive appearances since his first-grade debut in Round 1, 2019. He has developed into a crucial figure in the Cronulla attack while maintaining rock-solid defense, boasting a remarkable tackle efficiency rate of 93.65% throughout his career.

Evolution as a Player

The 2025 season has seen Brailey emerge as an explosive attacking threat, adding new dimensions to his game. Already matching his previous year’s tally of line-break assists in just 11 games, he’s on track for a career-high in try assists. This evolution has transformed him from his traditional role as a reliable workhorse who provided good service to his halves.

Leadership and Future Prospects

According to Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon, Brailey has been expressing himself more on the field, reflecting his growing influence on the team. As a member of the leadership group, he has earned the confidence of his teammates who trust in his reliability to perform his role. Having grown up in the Shire and played his junior footy in Sydney’s south, along with his family connections to the club, Brailey’s commitment to the Sharks represents a perfect alignment of personal history and professional ambition.