Some of Brayden Jerrard's earliest memories are of his father, Will, playing for West Lions - a boy who dreamed of emulating his old man.
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At the Wests Entertainment Group 9s at Scully Park on Saturday night, the 21-year-old graced the same field his father terrorised teams on years earlier as a "lethal fullback - similar to Dylan Lake", according to his former teammate, Geoff Sharpe.
Perhaps he was at Scully Park in 2005 when North Tamworth beat a West Tamworth side featuring Jerrard and Shape in the grand final.
Sharpe coached Brayden, who is also a fullback, from under-6 to under-16 at Wests.
When Sharpe was appointed Kootingal-Moonbi coach in 2018, Brayden and his brother, Jarmarley, left Bendemeer to sign with the Roosters in 2019.
Brayden plays rugby league with a beaming smile. "He loves his footy," Sharpe said.
Sharpe also said the young man was "super talented" and a "great kid", but wished he was 10kg heavier.
On Saturday night, Brayden lined up for Marius Street Family Dental in round two of the 9s. Jarmarley plays for undefeated Carey's Freight Lines. Marius Street Family Dental beat JT Fossey 11-4 and then downed Shay Brennan Constructions 23-6.
He loves his footy.
- Geoff Sharpe
Post-match, Brayden - an accomplished oztag player like his father - said "always" when asked about playing footy with a smile. And he "definitely" wants to get better and cement at starting spot at Kooty.
He also wants a job, and would accept "anything".
