The Cronulla Sharks are facing a critical contract standoff with their standout dummy half, Blayke Brailey, as negotiations remain at a standstill. Brailey’s current deal expires at the end of 2025, and although he has repeatedly expressed a desire to stay at the club long‑term, talks have stagnated between his agent, David Riolo, and the Sharks’ management
Initially, Cronulla reportedly offered Brailey a multi‑year extension through 2030, but this proposal was rejected. Riolo says he submitted a counter‑offer, which the club is still considering—but the negotiations remain stuck in limbo
The urgency around the deal stems from the NRL’s contract calendar: **Brailey will be eligible to negotiate with rival clubs starting November 1, 2025. If no agreement is reached by then, he could leave in search of better terms elsewhere
Financial constraints appear to be a major sticking point. The Sharks are already carrying significant salary commitments—most notably for top earners like Nicho Hynes and Addin Fonua‑Blake—and reportedly have only about A$300,000 remaining to extend other players like William Kennedy. That limited flexibility may prevent them from meeting Brailey’s valuation, raising the possibility he ranks among the league’s highest‑paid hookers once he hits the open market
In short: Brailey’s contract talks are trapped in limbo. With no resolution before November 1, the Sharks risk losing their star dummy half to the open market.
