LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Cronulla Sharks are preparing to secure hooker Blayke Brailey's future with a long-term contract extension before he becomes a free agent.
According to reports from zerotackle.com, there is a scarcity of quality dummy halves in the free market, making it increasingly challenging for clubs to find viable options.
The Sharks plan to offer Brailey a deal that would keep him at the club until at least the end of 2030.
Currently, Brailey's contract is set to expire at the end of 2026, and he is eligible to negotiate with other clubs starting November 1 this year.
By accepting the proposed four-year extension, he would effectively be committing to the Sharks through the latter part of his career.
Brailey has significantly improved this season, earning recognition as one of the competition's best dummy halves.
His performance has even sparked discussions about possible consideration for the NSW Blues under head coach Laurie Daley for the State of Origin series.
Despite the Sharks' recent struggles and drop in the standings, coach Craig Fitzgibbon has consistently praised Brailey's contributions and resilience on the field.