'End of story': Daley urged to pick Cronulla player as long-term option for NSW

Yahoo

19-07-2025

Blayke Brailey has established himself as the in-form hooker in the NRL, with many calling for the Cronulla Sharks player to be given more State of Origin consideration in 2026. Brailey starred again on Friday night as the Sharks beat the Roosters 31-18, setting up two tries with a line-break and line-break assist.
Over the last five games since being told by coach Craig Fitzgibbon to run the ball more, the 26-year-old has a try, five try assists, four line-breaks and three line-break assists. He also regularly tops the tackle count and averages over 45 per game.
Speaking after Friday night's win, Fiztgibbon said Brailey deserves more recognition. "I hope people are saying (he's the form hooker of the NRL), it feels like it," the Sharks coach said in his press conference.
"He has been our player of the year the last two years, we feel like he is consistent. But it's a nice he's getting some acknowledgement. The most important thing about it is what he is doing for our halves. The spine are starting to organise and get that better.
"I just think he's underestimated, or has been, and now people are onto it. We have been playing far stronger footy in the past few years and no-one has noticed him. He's obviously stepped up and has added to his game. I think that's a nice compliment for a kid who has busted his backside for 120 games straight."
Blake Brailey could be NSW Origin hooker in 2026
Brailey has previously been selected in emerging player squads for NSW in State of Origin, but never picked to take the next step into the representative arena. He was invited to a meeting with Blues coach Michael Maguire before the 2024 series, but missed out on the No.9 jersey to Reece Robson.
Maguire preferred Robson due to his defence, and it proved the right call as the Blues won that series. But the Cowboys hooker failed to fire in 2025, and made a number of costly mistakes in NSW's loss in the Game 3 decider.
With Robson's spot anything but secure for the 2026 series, many are calling for Brailey to get the nod. The Sharks hooker has one of the best running games of all No.9s in the competition, and has improved in defence in the last two seasons.
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One person wrote on social media on Friday night: "Blayke Brailey would be excellent as the NSW #9. Plays 80 minutes and don't need to waste a bench spot to replace him." Another added: "Blayke Brailey should be the NSW 9 next season, end of story."
Others have suggested he should be picked in the Kangaroos squad for the end-of-season Ashes tour in England. "How Brailey wasn't in Origin is beyond me. Should go on the Kangaroo tour," one person wrote. While another commented: "It's a crime Brailey wasn't in the NSW squad for game 3."