Brailey considering representative future as new Sharks deal imminent

Sam Kosack • August 27th, 2025 3:25 pm

Blayke Brailey has revealed he’s open to representing England at the representative level as the Sharks' hooker nears a long-term extension with the club.

Brailey, the Cronulla Sharks hooker, has English heritage through his mother and Australian heritage through his father, meaning he is eligible to represent both nations on the international stage.

Arguably the in-form hooker of the competition, Brailey has been described as an Ashes bolter after a strong back-end to the season and could be included in the Kangaroos 22-man squad to tour England after the season.

Sydney Roosters pair Victor Radley and Billy Smith are two of the most recent NRL players to pledge their allegiance to England while also being eligible to represent Australia.

Star Kangaroo Payne Haas has already confirmed a switch from Australia to Samoa, while Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow also a chance to change allegiance.

“It's something I've definitely thought about and I've had conversations about… it's obviously great that I have that side in me,” Brailey told SEN 1170 Afternoons.

“My mum is full English, she was born in Liverpool in England, so I do have a close tie there where I could represent both nations.

“I'd definitely love to one day represent my mum’s side of the family and also my dad's side, who is Australian.

“For my name to be around that conversation, it's obviously a dream come true.

“I want to achieve everything in the game, and I definitely want to achieve those teams and those representative squads.

“Hopefully I can continue my form and the selectors and the coaches see that… if that phone call comes, I'll be over the moon and I'll take it with both hands."

Brailey hasn’t spoken to Australian coach Kevin Walters or English coach Shaun Wane yet. If Brailey were to pledge his international eligibility to England, it would rule him out of State of Origin selection, due to England being classified as a Tier 1 Nation, unlike Samoa or Tonga who are Tier 2.

Instead, he's focused on the Sharks' form as they prepare for another finals campaign.

Brailey's form this season is set to be rewarded with a long-term deal, another show in faith by the club after he was appointed captain in the absence of injured skipper Cameron McInnes.

A local junior, Brailey was excited by the prospect of further extending his club at the Sharks.

"The club definitely knows how I feel about this place," Brailey said.

"Being a local junior, they know how I want my future to look like and hopefully my management and my dad can get those sorts of things sorted.

"I love this club. I love this area and I'm sure it'll be sorted pretty soon."