Raiders sign veteran hooker Jayden Brailey for 2026

The Canberra Raiders have announced the signing of veteran player Jayden Brailey. The hooker will join the team on a two-year deal starting next season. Brailey is currently playing for the Newcastle Knights, where he has spent the last few years. The Knights are moving him to make room for another player, Dylan Brown, who recently signed a ten-year contract worth $13 million. At the Raiders, Brailey will add depth to the hooker position. He will join Owen Pattie, while the team's current hookers, Tom Starling and Danny Levi, will also compete for their spots. The Raiders see Brailey as a potential starter. Coach Ricky Stuart hopes Brailey will help develop the younger players on the team. Brailey has played a total of 133 matches in the NRL since debuting in 2017 with the Cronulla Sharks. He has 64 of those games with the Knights. The Raiders' Recruitment Manager, Joel Carbone, expressed enthusiasm about Brailey joining the club. He noted that Brailey brings valuable experience and leadership qualities that will benefit the team.