NRL 2022: Newcastle Knights co-captain Jayden Brailey not giving up on season after Achilles injury

When Jayden Brailey’s Achilles tendon snapped he knew what had happened straight away, and what he had to do to be playing again in 2022.

Jayden Brailey is determined to return later in the year. Picture: Instagram

The snap of Jayden Brailey’s Achilles was so loud that the Newcastle co-skipper turned around thinking someone had dropped something.

But he quickly realised the significance of that sound.

Newcastle’s season was quickly turned on its head in the last part of a conditioning drill earlier this month where Brailey went to take off but ruptured his Achilles.

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“There was nothing in it,” Brailey said. “I was halfway through the last drill and I went to chase the footy and it just snapped. It just went. People on the sidelines heard it. It put me down straight away and I knew what it was. It wasn’t too painful.

“I was a bit of a mess. Because it was my second (long-term injury) I took it really hard. I couldn’t believe it and I’m still going in and out of those emotions.”

Jayden Brailey had surgery last week on his snapped Achilles. Picture: Instagram

Brailey had surgery last Thursday and will remain in a cast until next week.

Despite the setback, Brailey, who ruptured the knee in his other leg in 2020, is adamant his season is far from over. He has earmarked a potential round 20 return.

“Next Thursday I get the cast off and the stitches out and they put me in a boot where my foot is pointed all the time,” Brailey said.

“Each week they bring the angle up so it comes back to 90 degrees. I’ve got that boot on for four weeks. I slowly start weight bearing but that’s not for another couple of weeks.

“I will be playing again this year. If you have no setbacks and everything is perfect then six months is achievable. Some people aren’t back until eight.

“Once I get into training I have to have my head on. I know from previous experience, if I have my head on and I’m positive, I feel like I’ll heal quicker and attack my rehab. It’ll help me keep on track. It’s hard sitting at home.”

Brailey has already read up on NFL player Cam Akers who returned to the field for the LA Rams five months after rupturing his Achilles during the pre-season.

NFL player Cam Akers returned to the field for the LA Rams five months after rupturing his Achilles. Picture: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The loss of Brailey leaves a significant dent in Newcastle’s title hopes. But Brailey has identified his potential replacement.

“Chris Randall will be playing there for sure,” Brailey said. “He is up for it. He is fit enough. Strong enough and experienced. He is training well.”

Brailey is keen to make good use of his time on the sidelines. He will take on a coaching role while ensuring he stays on top of his mental health.

Jayden Brailey is determined to play at some stage in 2022. Picture: AAP Image/Darren Pateman

“I’ve tossed up doing a bit of coaching,” Brailey said. “I did that when I did my knee. I had a laptop at home and was cutting video. I am going to watch as much footage as I can.

“On top of that, I’m going to try and read a lot of books. I haven’t done a lot of that in the past. I’ve got a wellness/gratitude journal with goal setting and planning days out to keep me mentally on track. That’s not stuff I’ve tapped into in the past because all I’m thinking about is footy, footy footy.”

Meanwhile, the Knights had to cut short a training camp in Tamworth after some players and staff contracted Covid-19.

Originally published as NRL 2022: Newcastle Knights co-captain Jayden Brailey not giving up on season after Achilles injury