Cronulla hooker Jayden Brailey is ready to step up and play 80 minutes in the absence of Sharks' bench dummy-half James Segeyaro.
Segeyaro has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a broken arm, placing pressure back on NRL rookie Brailey.
Brailey debuted against Brisbane in round one and played 80 minutes for the first time against St George Illawarra before Segeyaro joined the team.
But Brailey said even while he was adjusting to the bigger bodies of the NRL, he was confident of returning to the full-time role against Penrith on Easter Sunday.
"I'm pretty confident in playing full minutes," Brailey said.
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"I've done it a fair bit and I think I'll be able to do it."
Brailey has been a revelation for the defending premiers after Michael Ennis' retirement.
The pair have also worked together closely, but Brailey has come a long way from sitting behind the posts at last year's grand final and cheering the Sharks home.
A local junior, he has been a part of the Sharks since under-16s and captained their under-20s last year, regularly playing 80 minutes in the No.9 jersey.
"I know it's a bit different to NRL but I feel like I would be able to handle it," Brailey said.
"I'm confident that I can. I've played some big minutes already. I've got to work on my game and have patience so I can play 80 minutes."
Testament to Brailey's early-season form is the fact he has been able to keep Segeyaro on the bench.
The 2014 Dally M Hooker of the year, Segeyaro was expected to start for the Sharks in round one, before contract negotiations with his English club Leeds stalled his arrival.
But Brailey said he saw Segeyaro's signing as a challenge rather than a worry.
"It's motivated me a lot," he said.
"There's always going to be someone there at the club trying to chase your position and chase your jersey.
"But James is an outstanding hooker. He's a different style of hooker to me and I can take a lot out of his game."
