The Wests Tigers have officially confirmed the signing of Jayden Brailey, the hooker from the Canberra Raiders, on a two-year contract set to begin next season.
In a surprising turn of events, the Raiders have opted to release Brailey early, even though he had a contract extending to 2027, allowing him to team up with Benji Marshall at Concord.
Brailey boasts a rich experience of 170 NRL games, having played for the Cronulla Sharks, Newcastle Knights, and Raiders since beginning his career in the Shire in 2017.
This acquisition provides Marshall and the Tigers' coaching staff with added flexibility, as Brailey can effectively play both lock and hooker.
Given that the Raiders currently have three solid hooker options in their Top 30-Tom Starling, Owen Pattie, and Brailey-a decision regarding playing time was becoming increasingly complicated for the club.
Brailey expressed his excitement about joining Marshall and the skilled roster in 2027.
"It's a very talented, young roster who have shown what they're capable of. I'm really looking forward to adding my own strengths and experience to bring some success to the club," Brailey mentioned in a Tigers statement.
"To work alongside Benji was a huge attraction for me. His vision for the club and playing group played a big part in my decision and I'm confident my best footy lies ahead of me under Benji."
For Brailey, donning the Tigers colors for the first time will be a particularly poignant event, as he honors his grandfather, who played 16 matches for the Balmain Tigers between 1960 and 1962.