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Sport Nation
Has Brailey dethroned Grant as the best hooker in the NRL?
Charles Goodsir • September 22nd, 2025 1:39 pm
SEN’s Andrew Voss has declared Cronulla’s Blayke Brailey as the best hooker in the competition following his semi-final performance against Canberra.
The Sharks made light work of the minor premiers as they ran out 32-12 and booked a preliminary final match-up against the Melbourne Storm this Friday.
Brailey was instrumental in the victory and Voss believes he needs to be seriously considered for not just New South Wales selection but also an International call-up for the upcoming Ashes Tour.
“I’m looking at a future New South Wales captain,” Voss said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“I’m seeing a future International player and it may have to be right now.
“I don’t know how Kevin Walters is going to keep him out of the Kangaroos side. I know it’s hard to have two starting hookers but Blayke Brailey is going better than all of them.
“As a captain, I loved his speech to the Cronulla players. He told them that they aren’t waiting for next year and that the future is now.
“Don’t sit around at the end of the year and think about next year. Why not now?
“Brailey’s form against Canberra is quite possibly the best game you will ever see a nine play in a big match.
“He is now among the elite. He has played every minute of every game this season.
“To make over 1000 tackles and over 20 try assists with at least seven runs a game (is terrific).
“Over the last 12 weeks, he’s been fantastic,” SEN’s Greg Alexander added.
“He is now in the mould of a representative number nine. He’s very durable.
“His running game had the Raiders on the back foot.
“Whenever a chance is presented, he doesn’t miss it.”
The Sharks will face the Storm at AAMI Park on Friday night with a Grand Final berth on the line.
