Eels Poised to Pounce on Knights Star Jayden Brailey Amid Salary Cap Strain in High-Stakes No. 9 Bid

The Parramatta Eels are reportedly eyeing Newcastle Knights hooker Jayden Brailey as a solution to their ongoing issues at dummy-half. Since Reed Mahoney’s departure to the Bulldogs, the Eels have struggled to fill the No. 9 role, with neither Brendan Hands nor Joey Lussick securing the position.

New head coach Jason Ryles is well aware of the importance of this role to the team’s success and seems determined to find a reliable hooker to help steer the Eels back on track.

According to Dave Riccio from The Daily Telegraph, Parramatta is closely monitoring Brailey’s situation, though Newcastle is reluctant to let him go. Despite this, salary cap pressures may force the Knights to make a tough decision, leaving the door slightly ajar for the Eels.

Riccio explained on SEN radio that while Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien is keen to retain Brailey, financial constraints might play a role in his future.

Brailey, 28, has been a steady performer since debuting in 2017 with the Sharks and later joining the Knights, tallying 14 tries across 130 games. Unfortunately, his career has been marred by significant injuries in 2020, 2022, and 2023, cutting his seasons short.