Brailey soaks up first career move with coffee

No player has consumed more coffee than Knights recruit Jayden Brailey over the past 12 months but his latest caffeine hit has left him with all the assurance he needs.

After being recruited by former Knights coach Nathan Brown in July, his latest meeting with rookie coach Adam O'Brien has proven the most pivotal yet.

In one of his first interviews following his appointment, O'Brien stated his excitement at Brailey's arrival.

Only days earlier he was telling the former Sharks rake first hand.

"I was confident but it threw a spanner in the works when that all went down," Brailey told NRL.com of Brown's departure.

"But as soon as I moved up here and the Roosters' season finished up Adam wanted to catch up for a coffee and he made me feel extremely comfortable.

"He let me know I was in his plans and he was excited to have me. That put the mind to bed straight away."

It was a different coffee catch-up all-together in March when Brailey was left confused after being told by his father, Cronula talent ID manager Glenn Brailey, that younger brother Blayke was set to re-sign with the club.

By July, Jayden's three-year NRL stint with his hometown club was effectively over - making the pathway for Blayke's No.9 dream easier by accepting his own three-year deal to join Newcastle.

Jayden says some of his biggest influences – his father Glenn and retired Sharks veteran Paul Gallen – all played their part in his move.

For Gallen, who has previously clashed with Brown and the Knights with blunt and honest assessments of the Hunter club, his advice for Brailey was simple.

"He encouraged the move, it was touted I was leaving and I sat down and had a coffee with him as well and he said it was a good opportunity to go," Brailey said.

"Along with Shane Flanagan, the pair of them and Dad have been the biggest influences in the early start of my career.

"It's well known Gal used to give it to me a fair bit growing up but coming into an experienced team it helped me a lot.

"He taught me valuable lessons like the intensity you need to train at to be an NRL. I've got enough experience now I can bring that to Newcastle."

Aside from the opportunity, Brailey said the squad's youth and potential was a major drawcard.

"They're at a similar age to where I'm at," he said.

"I can benefit my game with their style of play and on the reverse side of things I feel like I can add a lot to the team.

"The fans, it's well known how good they are and the crowd's they get. The lifestyle is similar and what I'm used to.

"I've hit the jackpot with the staff. I'm soaking it all in and I couldn't be happier."