Sharks snap up young gun Blayke Brailey on new deal

Cronulla have secured in-demand hooker Blayke Brailey with a healthy three-year extension, securing another local junior key to their future planning.

NRL.com understands that the younger Brailey brother re-signed prior to Friday's come-from-behind win over Penrith, re-committing to the Sharks until the end of 2022.

It's understood Brailey has knocked back interest from Canterbury and Wests Tigers among other NRL rivals.

The fact he and older brother Jayden are expected to compete for the same No.9 jumper had fuelled expectation Blayke would be forced elsewhere to secure a starting spot.

But having played alongside Jayden and fellow Aquinas Colts juniors Kyle Flanagan and Bronson Xerri through the junior ranks, Brailey is happy to call The Shire home for at least another three years.

"I'm really excited. I'm a local junior, I always wanted to be here," Brailey said.

"Cronulla is my home, I live two minutes down the road, I always wanted to stay."

Along with Blayke, the Sharks have key local products Jayden (contracted until the end of 2020), Flanagan (2021) and Xerri (2021) tied to the club for some time, while injured captain Wade Graham also re-committed over summer for another three years.

Rookie coach John Morris also shapes as a critical figure in Cronulla's transitioning roster, and having coached most of their up and coming young talent welcomed Brailey's retention.

"It's exciting news for us to be able to hang onto Blayke," Morris said.

"He's a local kid, he’s come through our system from when he was a 13-year-old and while he is already playing in the NRL he is a vital part of our building for the future."