England lure could put an end to Blayke Brailey’s Origin dream

In-form Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey’s availability to play State of Origin for NSW is hinged on a major selection call from new Australian coach Kevin Walters.

Blayke Brailey’s charge towards an Australian jersey for the end of season Ashes Tour has taken a dramatic turn with the revelation that the in-form Sharks hooker is eligible to represent England.

In career best form as the most influential no.9 currently playing in the NRL, Brailey’s stunning form this season under coach Craig Fitzgibbon has led to claims that the Cronulla star should be part of a new-look NSW Blues side to exact State of Origin revenge on Queensland next year.

However, Brailey’s availability to play Origin for NSW is hinged on a major selection call from new Australian coach Kevin Walters.

Blayke Brailey is considering representing England for the Ashes. Credit: NRL Images.

If Walters opts to overlook Brailey as a member of his Ashes squad, the 26-year-old would then be faced with the dilemma of choosing to make himself available to represent England, which would then deem him ineligible to fulfil his lifelong dream of playing State of Origin for NSW.

It is a monumental call that other players have made in the past, including most recently Roosters lock Victor Radley, who has forfeited his State of Origin dreams to represent England.

Brailey is eligible to represent England due to his mother, Carla, being born and raised in Liverpool, England.

Adding another layer of emotional torment and deep consideration to the hugely personal call is that Brailey’s brother, Knights hooker Jayden Brailey, is believed to have made it known to England coach Shaun Wane, that he has a desire to honour his mother’s heritage.

The opportunity for the Brailey brothers to represent England is suddenly a genuine option.

Sharks captain Cameron McInnes said he hoped Brailey continued his rich vein of form, while declaring his teammate deserved to be in the discussion to pull on the green and gold for Australia alongside respective NSW and Queensland hooker Reece Robson and Harry Grant.

“Obviously there’s a couple of other hookers that have been there and done that, but the way he’s playing I can’t see why (he wouldn’t be pushing for Australian selection),” McInnes said.

“I know he’s got English heritage as well, so they (Australia) might have to snap him up quickly, otherwise the other mob might take him.

“Within these walls (at Cronulla) we know how great he is. He’s always been so valuable to do us and I’m so glad he’s getting that recognition.”

The 80-minute hooker’s speed, precision and durability to play 121 consecutive NRL matches, has helped the Sharks to forge their way into the top-eight ahead of a crucial match against South Sydney at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday night.

Sharks centre Jesse Ramien (hamstring) has been cleared to return for the Sharks after missing last week’s victory over the Roosters.

Originally published as England lure could put an end to Blayke Brailey’s Origin dream