The Newcastle Knights have confirmed the signing of Sharks hooker Jayden Brailey on a three-year deal.
The highly rated 23-year-old has played 62 NRL matches for Cronulla since making his debut in 2017.
"I'm disappointed to be moving on from the Sharks. It's always been a dream of mine to be playing for my junior club since I was a young kid and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities they have given me," Brailey told sharks.com.au.
"I have so many fond memories, as well as mates here that will last a life time."
Knights game-breaker Kalyn Ponga has welcomed the signing of the Aquinas Colts junior.
Ponga and Brailey were named in the 2016 Holden Cup team of the year after successful seasons for the Cowboys and Sharks respectively.
"I heard the news, he's going to be here for a few years, so it's very exciting," Ponga said on Wednesday.
"I've watched a little bit of him play, and I think I played against him in 20s, but he's a tough man and it will be good to get him in and work with him.
"He's tough, he obviously comes from a very good system, he's been there for a while so hopefully he brings that into us and this system, and he's young, so he'll be keen to learn and work together."
Newcastle have used Danny Levi, Connor Watson and Kurt Mann at hooker this season with Slade Griffin sidelined with a knee injury.
Jayden's younger brother Blayke, 20, is expected to become the Sharks' starting No.9 in 2020 after recently signing a new deal at the club.
