This week on the KNIGHTS // HQ Podcast, we sat down with our co-captain Jayden Brailey and his better half Liliana Brogan to get a glimpse of what his life looks like both on and off the field.
Moving to Newcastle in early 2020 from where he grew up in Sydney was a big step for Brailey.
“I got the news back at my old club that I was going to be moved on and it was pretty tough at the time but when it came to Newcastle it was a no-brainer to come here for a number of reasons,” Brailey said.
His family have played a huge role not only in his life off the field but also in getting him to where he is today in his football career.
“My Dad’s probably had the biggest impact in terms of my footy career,” he continued.
“He’s probably my best mate.”
The team's last home game against the Parramatta Eels was a special day for the Club, with Old Boys Day celebrations in full swing on the 20th anniversary of the 2001 Premiership.
With Daniel Saifiti in Origin camp, it was left to Brailey to lead the team out in front of a season-high crowd of 23,015.
“Leading the boys out in the guard of honour was so special,” he said.
“It’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life I reckon.
"There is something a bit quirky": Jayden and Liliana dish the dirt on each other
“I’m usually pretty serious on game day especially that moment running out but I couldn’t help but be smiling ear to ear and I just had a ball running out there.”
When not leading his side out in front of thousands of adoring fans, Brailey admits to a love of film during his downtime.
“I do love my rom-coms,” he added.
“Love Actually around Christmas time is always good.
“Step Brothers has me in stitches every time.
“I’ve seen it 10 times.”
Alongside his movies, Brailey admitted a strange addiction to a drink most wouldn't dare attempt to try.
Brailey: 'When it came to Newcastle, the decision was a no-brainer'
“At the moment it’s probably a different one, something that a lot of people don’t try - a chocolate thick shake with a coffee shot,” Brailey said.
“After games I usually lose a bit of weight about 2-3 kilos so the next day I’ve got to put that back on and I want a thick shake but I also want a coffee so I get my coffee and my thick shake and it’s the best.”
To hear more insights from Brailey, listen to Episode 8 of KNIGHTS // HQ on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
