The comparisons will definitely be made. Blayke Brailey and his older brother Jayden both possess the right pedigree having represented the Australian Schoolboys back in the day.
They are both hookers, copybook defenders who provide slick service out of dummy half and the pair are destined for long careers in the NRL.
But while their styles are similar, there are subtle differences, Blayke displaying skills and a clever kicking game that make it no surprise to find out he played his junior rugby league in the halves.
Without the extra couple of years in an NRL training environment, the 20-year-old Blayke doesn't yet have the size of his 22-year-old brother, but the two local juniors are similarly brave and competitive, taking on the big boppers in the middle of the field without hesitation.
Like his sibling, Blayke has come through the Sharks junior development system, his journey taking him from Matthews Cup, to SG Ball, then the Holden Cup under 20's, alongside and in the same age group as Aquinas Colts clubmate Kyle Flanagan, to the Newtown Jets and the Intrust Super Premiership competition in 2018.
Brailey enjoyed an outstanding year at the Jets, walking away with the Best and Fairest award at season's end for his efforts and now on the cusp of an NRL debut, all that's standing in his way is a player with the same surname.
In this instalment in the 'Under the Surface' series, Brailey has a bit of fun at the expense of his brother, with Sharks Media getting some cheeky banter out of Blayke, as we continue to get to know your 2019 Sharks NRL squad.
Blayke Brailey
Born – September 23, 1998, Sydney
Position – Hooker
Height – 180cm
Weight – 71kgs
NRL games – Yet to play in the NRL
