The Wests Tigers have announced the signing of Canberra Raiders hooker Jayden Brailey on a two-year deal starting next season.
The Raiders have released Brailey early, who was still contracted for the 2027 season in the nation's capital, but will instead link up with Benji Marshall at Concord.
Brailey offers 170 NRL games of experience across stints at the Cronulla Sharks, Newcastle Knights, and Raiders since his debut in the Shire in 2017.
It gives Marshall and the Tigers' coaching staff selection options, with Brailey's versatility allowing him to play both lock and hooker at a high rate.
With three quality hooker options in the Raiders Top 30 including Tom Starling, Owen Pattie and Brailey, a bottleneck jam decision by the club was expected to reach a boiling point.
Brailey says he is thrilled to be joining Marshall and the talented playing group 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 said 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."
It will be a particularly special moment for Brailey when he dons the Tigers colours for the first time, honouring his grandfather who represented the Balmain Tigers 16 times between 1960 and 1962.
“I'm so proud to be able to carry on Pop's legacy and also carve out a path for myself,'' he added.
Marshall said he was pleased with the addition of Brailey to the lineup, adding plenty of leadership qualities for his young squad to follow.
“I like the person he is. His character, integrity, he's very knowledgeable, and a footy head who loves the game,'' Marshall said.
"He brings a level of leadership that can help impact some of the young guys we've got here, particularly the hookers we've got coming through.
“One of the things we found this year is we need to create a bit more depth.
“Jayden gives us a ready-made first grader with experience who can play lock and hooker.”
Brailey had limited opportunities to make his mark in the nation's capital, only limited to 16 appearances since his arrival as the club struggled to reach teh saem heights in their minor premiership season last year.
Tigers will further benefit from Brailey's presence after he's expected to be included in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup, kicking off in October this year.
