Brailey ‘rewires brain’ to find running game for Sharks
Scott Bailey |
Blayke Brailey had to “rewire his brain” this season and teach himself to run more, realising it was crucial to Cronulla unlocking Addin Fonua-Blake.
Brailey has been one of the Sharks’ form men of the past month, with Cronulla overcoming their sluggish start to the season to be on the verge of the top four.
The hooker is well aware his running game out of dummy-half has long been a talking point.
Data emerged last season Cronulla had won 14 of 16 games where Brailey ran over 30 metres, compared to three of 11 when he didn’t last year.
A similar trend has occurred this season with Brailey’s running numbers down in the first six weeks before coming to the fore again.
Brailey has pointed to game situation and the roll-on effect of his forward as key to that, given it is easier for him to pounce out of dummy-half with Cronulla on top.
And while that remains the case, the 26-year-old said he and coach Craig Fitzgibbon had made a point for him to become more willing to run when chances presented.
“I worked hard with Fitzy there to rewire my brain a little bit,” Brailey said.
“My first point of call was to look to the side and find (halves) Nicho (Hynes) and Tricky (Braydon Trindall) and shift the ball because we are so good at it.
“I had to rewire myself and take a bit more of an onus on looking forward first and going straight. It’s the quickest avenue to make metres.”
Brailey’s change was also prompted by the arrival of Fonua-Blake, who beyond being one of the most powerful props in the NRL is also one of the best try-scorers.
“When you have Addin Fonua-Blake and the likes of those players in your side you have to run,” Brailey said.
“I’ve made that my big emphasis.
“He’s the best front-rower in the comp with his late footwork and the way he can carry the ball.
“He just creates that ruck speed and gets you on the front foot straight away … I feel real safe being out there with him.”
Brailey darted out of dummy-half to put Fonua-Blake over for one try last week, while two of Cronulla’s tries against Manly also came after he scurried from the ruck.
The Sharks will keep their pack largely intact for the State of Origin period, starting on Saturday against a depleted Sydney Roosters.
“Every year I write down goals of how many runs I want to take, and I always try and go one up on last year,” Brailey said.
“It took me a while to really find my running game. I was happy just to give good service and make my tackles. I saw that as a good game.
“But if you’re a threat in the middle it helps players around you get over the advantage line.”
AAP
