Jayden Brailey isn’t wasting his time on the sideline.
Recovering from an ACL injury suffered in Round 2, the nib Newcastle Knights hooker is still every bit connected with the NRL squad and taking the opportunity to assist the team in game prep.
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR PODCASTS AND BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEOS!
When he’s not in the gym, strengthening his knee, Brailey has been clipping up video of the opposition to assist the coaching staff in their preparation for the upcoming match.
It’s a role he’s thoroughly enjoying.
“With this injury, one of the worst things about it is not just physical, it’s mental,” Brailey told Triple M Newcastle.
“I want to stay pretty involved and keep my footy brain ticking over, so each week I’ve been cutting up my own clips.
“I’ve got a laptop at home… I do a preview (on the opposition) and send them through to the coaches and what I look for as a dummy-half.
“I’ve really enjoyed it to be honest. I’ve picked up a few ne skills and appreciate how much time and effort goes into cutting up clips. I’ll do that for the rest of the season and keep learning.”
One on One: Joey and Bradman Best
In learning about his craft as a No.9, he has been leaning on GM of Football, Danny Buderus.
Buderus is without a doubt the Club’s greatest rake and wearing the same jumper as a Club legend is something Brailey takes seriously.
“Learning heaps,” he said of Buderus.
“He wasn’t just a great player but a great person and player to have around the club.
“There’s big responsibility wearing that No.9 jersey in those opening two games.
“He’s been helping me out a whole lot with my knee mentally. He’s such a good bloke to have around the club.”
Aside from assisting the coaching staff, Brailey’s attention has been on mending his knee.
He is back running on the field and feeling strong and confident in his rehabilitation.
“The knee is going really well,” he said.
“I’m tracking along nicely. It’s 15 weeks so far, I’ve just started running on the field. It feels really strong. It’s going as good as it can be.”
