Cronulla brothers Jayden and Blayke Brailey are relishing the opportunity to play in the NRL together despite the likely reality they'll one day have to part to each fulfil their goals of being starting hookers.
Young star Blayke will again come off the bench on Saturday night against Gold Coast, after making his debut in the Sharks' loss to Newcastle last Thursday.
One of the most in-demand young players in the game, the 20-year-old is off-contract but has put off talks with rival clubs while focusing on the biggest few months of his career so far.
"This stage (of fighting for the same spot) came quicker than we thought," Blayke admitted to AAP.
"It's a tough one, I always get asked it but I'm just happy playing with him at the moment.
"I haven't been talking to any other clubs, we've just put that on hold for the moment. We're just enjoying playing together at the moment."
The Sharks have already started moves to keep the former under-20s Kangaroos hooker, who has risen through their ranks from local junior club Aquinas Colts.
Considered on the fringe of first grade for all of last year, the dummy-half played under new coach John Morris in under-20s as part of a team that twice finished in the top four.
"This is probably our fourth year together. We've got a good bond," Blayke said.
"I know what I've got to do for him, he knows what he wants from me.
"Our gameplan is pretty much the same; to fit into the first grade role under Johnny was a pretty easy and comfortable transition."
Blayke's debut came two years after Jayden also made his debut as a 20-year-old, under former coach Shane Flanagan.
"It's hard because we both want to be on top of the game and in a starting hooking role at a club," Jayden, off contract in 2020, said.
"It's hard obviously being at the same club. But we're both only young and only just coming into the game.
"At the moment we're really just enjoying it but somewhere down the track it (playing apart) might have to end up happening."
Australian Associated Press
