Jayden Brailey is an experienced and resilient NRL hooker who joined the Canberra Raiders on a two‑year deal commencing in the 2026 season. Known for his sharp dummy‑half service, strong defensive output, and leadership qualities, Brailey brings over 150 games of NRL experience to Canberra’s spine.

Brailey made his NRL debut in Round 1 on 2 March 2017, playing for the Cronulla‑Sutherland Sharks against the Brisbane Broncos.

He spent 2017–2019 with the Sharks before signing with the Newcastle Knights, where he played from 2020 to 2025, serving as co‑captain in 2021 and featuring as a central part of the club’s spine.

A series of significant injuries including ACL and Achilles ruptures, impacted parts of his tenure at Newcastle, but Brailey consistently demonstrated strong resilience and professionalism in returning to high‑level performance. These setbacks and comebacks were documented across his Knights seasons in 2020, 2022, and 2023.

Brailey joined the Canberra Raiders ahead of the 2026 season and is set to form a key dummy‑half rotation alongside Tom Starling, adding experience, structure, and creativity to Canberra’s attack. He was confirmed by the Raiders as a major recruitment target, valued for his leadership and elite NRL experience.

Coming from a strong rugby league family, Brailey was the 2016 Holden Cup Player of the Year and previously represented the Australian Schoolboys. He is the older brother of NRL hooker Blayke Brailey, further establishing the position as a family legacy.