LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a blow to the Newcastle Knights, their experienced hooker Jayden Brailey has encountered a setback on his road to recovery.
Zero Tackle reports that Brailey has suffered a slight hamstring injury, ruling him out of the NRL Pre-Season Challenge.
This setback puts pressure on Brailey as he races against time to be fit for Round 1.
It is speculated that he may have to start the season in the NSW Cup or come off the interchange bench, allowing Phoenix Crossland to step up in the number nine jersey.
Brailey's absence for the majority of the previous NRL season meant he had to go overseas for rehabilitation, following the footsteps of other stars like Latrell Mitchell, Ryan Papenhuyzen, and Tom Trbojevic.
In an effort to speed up his recovery, Brailey even flew to Philadelphia to work with renowned reconditioning specialist Bill Knowles.