Jayden Brailey: ‘It’s a combination that has worked for us before’
Newcastle Knights’ hooker Jayden Brailey believes the combination of key players in the squad will play a crucial role as they head into their Round 6 clash against the Wests Tigers this weekend. Speaking to the media ahead of the match, Brailey emphasized the importance of cohesion within the team and how past successes have shaped their confidence heading into the game.
Brailey, who has been a pivotal figure in the Knights’ spine, pointed out that the team’s chemistry has been a major factor in their victories, and with the return of key players, the combination that has worked so well before is back in full force.
“It’s a combination that has worked for us before,” Brailey said when asked about the Knights’ attacking strategies. “We’ve had some really good performances in the past, and it’s about getting back to that. It’s about our spine working together – myself, Kalyn [Ponga], and Mitchell [Pearce]. We know each other’s games, and that’s a huge advantage for us.”
The Knights have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but Brailey acknowledged that consistency has been an issue, especially in tight games. Despite the occasional slip-up, Brailey remained optimistic, highlighting how much progress the team has made under head coach Adam O’Brien.
“We’ve been working really hard on our consistency,” Brailey explained. “Every week, we’re trying to get better, and while it hasn’t always been perfect, we know what we’re capable of when we click. There’s a lot of belief in this group, and that’s something that’s going to help us moving forward.”
The Wests Tigers will pose a tough challenge for the Knights, who will be looking to build on a recent strong performance. Brailey noted that the Tigers have been unpredictable this season, but Newcastle’s focus is squarely on their own game, ensuring they execute their plans with precision and intensity.
“The Tigers are always tough, and they’ve got some dangerous players,” Brailey said. “But for us, it’s about focusing on ourselves, focusing on our structures, and making sure we deliver the game plan that we know will work. We’ve got to stay disciplined, play smart, and back our game.”
One area Brailey singled out for improvement is the team’s defensive efforts. While Newcastle has shown great attacking flair, their defense has occasionally let them down. Brailey acknowledged this and stressed that strengthening their defense would be key to achieving their goals.
“We’ve been pretty happy with our attack, but defensively, we’ve definitely got some areas to improve,” Brailey admitted. “In the past few games, we’ve had some lapses that we can’t afford to have. If we can tighten up defensively, we’ll put ourselves in a great position to win.”
Looking ahead to the clash with the Tigers, Brailey is keen to continue his strong individual form, having been one of the Knights’ most consistent players this season. His ability to control the tempo of the game and provide accurate service from dummy half has been a highlight of the Knights’ attack.
“It’s been a good start to the season for me, but I’m always looking to improve,” he said. “I know my role, and it’s about getting the team around the park and setting up our playmakers. As a hooker, you’ve got to be the link between the forwards and the backs, and that’s something I take a lot of pride in.”
As the Knights prepare for the Round 6 showdown, Brailey’s message was clear – consistency, defensive improvement, and building on the solid combination the team has developed over the past seasons will be key to overcoming the Wests Tigers and continuing their push up the NRL ladder.
“We’ve got a lot of confidence in the squad, and if we can keep working together, we’ll get the results,” Brailey concluded. “It’s about backing each other and making sure we execute the game plan to the best of our ability.”
Newcastle will be hoping to put together a complete performance when they face the Tigers on Saturday, with Brailey at the heart of the action, ensuring his team stays focused on the task at hand.