When Michael Ennis retired following the premiership win in 2016, a number of young hookers at the Sharks lined up hoping to impress during the pre-season in a bid to fill the huge void left by his absence.
Jayden Brailey was one of those dummy halves hoping to wear the Sharks number nine jersey and come round one had earned first shot at the role.
Many held their breath wondering if the local junior was up to the task however their fears were allayed when Brailey turned in an outstanding debut despite the Sharks going down to the Brisbane Broncos.
He would then cross for his first try in a round two win over the Raiders, before going on to play 19 games in a breakout debut season in the NRL.
Such was his worth to the Sharks team, after recovering from a broken jaw suffered in a game against the Sea Eagles in round 16, Brailey was pitched straight back into the NRL side and in a starting role when fit to resume two weeks before the finals.
Brailey's service from dummy half, support play and solid defence were the strengths of his game and still just 21 years of age, there is no doubt his future looks bright.
Earlier this week he was named as the Sharks Steve Rogers Rookie of the Year at the annual Monty Porter Medal Night.
See our highlights video, with some of the best action from Jayden Brailey’s 2017 debut season.
To see a wrap of the Monty Porter Medal Night and a run-down of all the award winners CLICK HERE.
