‘Non-negotiable for me’: The crazy numbers that have Blayke Brailey eyeing off contract extension with the Sharks

There are already conversations about Blayke Brailey potentially being the next NSW hooker, which is why the Sharks must strike now.

Blayke Brailey isn’t focusing on a contract extension because he fears it could affect his scorching form, but the Sharks hooker can’t see himself elsewhere with the dynamic runner playing better than he ever has.

Cronulla’s fortunes have often been linked to his running game, and it’s no surprise to see them back in the top eight and winning games with Brailey setting up four tries in his past two matches.

The man who never misses games has won the club’s player of the year award in each of the past two seasons and would be high up on the leaderboard again in 2025.

The local junior still has another year to run on his contract but must be a top priority for the Sharks given other clubs would break the bank for a player with his speed, durability and toughness in the middle.

Blayke Brailey is the competition’s form hooker at the moment. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“When contracts come up, you can get a bit sidetracked and your form can dip,” he said, revealing he’s left it up to his manager to sort out.

“I’m just trying not to worry about it. I know that if my footy does the talking, that’s all I’m worried about. I’m more focused on winning the next few games and cementing our spot in the top eight.

“I love this club, I grew up here and I was there when Gal (club legend Paul Gallen) lifted the trophy in 2016.

“I’ve never even given any thought (to playing for another club). I grew up in the area and played footy on the hill here at Shark Park, so this place is home. Hopefully, the club sees that as well.”

Brailey ran for 78m in the win over the Dolphins and backed it up with a season-high 93m against the Roosters on Friday night to go with 45 tackles.

He’d only run for 40m in one of his first 13 games of the season, but he’s done it in each of his past five matches to go with five line breaks.

Brailey’s running game has sparked Cronulla’s attack into life. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“I feel like I’m in a really good space at the minute with my defence and my running game, which is probably been the one thing that’s everyone’s noticed,” he said.

“I’m seeing the game really clearly and it makes the game a lot more enjoyable when I’m not just tackling the whole game.

“It’s been a really good period for me and hopefully I can continue that going forward.”

Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon was glad that other people were noticing how good Brailey is, while skipper Cam McInnes – who used to be a hooker before he moved to lock – spoke highly of what Brailey has brought to the club.

“If I played hooker and he plays hooker, then I didn’t play hooker,” he said.

“I’m nowhere near that level of capability, so we’re lucky to have him.”

An incredible run from Blayke Brailey! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QpFRdsf6ak

— NRL (@NRL) July 18, 2025

Brailey’s running game is only possible if the forwards are winning the ruck, and it’s vital for him to run amok to take pressure off the halves who have the time and space to finish off the attacking raids.

There used to be a weekly obsession over his running numbers given Cronulla’s winning percentage was linked to his darts from dummy-half, with Brailey declaring it a “non-negotiable” for him to run, run and run again.

“It does slow down at times and I can see it unfolding and see myself running before it even happens. That’s what’s happening at the moment,” he said.

“I’m pretty happy with the patch I’m in, and hopefully I can run more, attack more and give the team whatever it needs to win.

“Fitzy always encourages me to run, and I’m at the point now in my game where if I don’t run, I’m not happy.

“It’s working out well for us that when I do run, we get on the front foot and it makes our side flow a lot better.

“I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself to run and it’s a non-negotiable for me. I know if I don’t run that I’ll be pretty cranky and upset for the week.”

Originally published as ‘Non-negotiable for me’: The crazy numbers that have Blayke Brailey eyeing off contract extension with the Sharks