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Important update on 1476AMSchoolboy battles transform into duel for NSW No.9
Scott Bailey, AAP •  April 6th, 2026 9:00 pm
Reece Robson | Photo: AAP
Reece Robson and Blayke Brailey have been facing off as dummy-halves since they were schoolboys.
Come Saturday in Perth, both know there will be talk of a little extra riding on their clash in the form of a NSW State of Origin jumper.
Robson, the incumbent, has been solid as NSW's first-choice No.9 for the past two years, before moving from North Queensland to the Sydney Roosters this season.
But his old junior rival Brailey was picked ahead of him for Australia's Ashes tour last year, after being clearly the best hooker in the NRL in 2025 at Cronulla.
"I was obviously disappointed," said Robson, now two weeks back from a broken thumb.
"I always want to be around those teams. That happens in rugby league sometimes.
"The way we didn't play any finals (at North Queensland), it happens.
"To come down here and be able to have a fresh start and try and play some really good footy is what I'm trying to do."
Robson and Brailey first faced off in junior football at Cronulla, when the latter moved up from the south coast.
Blayke Brailey | Photo: AAP
Brailey's Aquinas Colts usually got the better of Robson's De La Salle, playing in a junior club football team that also included Kyle Flanagan and Bronson Xerri.
"We were pretty handy, I will say that," Brailey told AAP.
"But defensively in the middle Reece has always been really strong. He has good service. He is obviously the Blues No.9 from last year.
"Our careers have been pretty similar. He's a great player, we came through the grades around the same time and debuted around a similar time. It's exciting."
Origin I at Accor Stadium is less than two months away, with NSW selectors to name their squad in six weeks.
"When you look at it that way I guess (this weekend) probably is something they might look at," Robson said.
"But there are a lot of games between the start of the season and Origin time.
"A game like this definitely would have an indication towards it, but it's more the consistency and (if) we can continue to play at a higher level week in, week out."
Not that either wants to fly to Perth on Wednesday for the match with Origin in mind.
"That narrative is around, but it's more about our team and Sharks against Roosters, so my main focus will be on winning the game," Brailey said.
"I am not going to play selfishly, that's not my style. I'm not going to go out there to try and one-up him or try and play better than him and go outside the systems.
"It's all about doing whatever the team needs, and I know our playing style will allow me to play well, so that's all I am focused on."
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