Brailey's dummy-half battle with Grant looms as one of the key factors of Friday night's preliminary final, with the pair easily the best No.9s of 2025.
Grant has long held the title of the game's pre-eminent hooker, having assumed the mantle almost immediately upon replacing Cameron Smith at the Storm.
But there is little argument against claims Brailey is the NRL's form hooker at the moment, running the ball more and leading almost every key statistical category.
"He's the best hooker in the game, and he's been the best for a long time now," Brailey told AAP of Grant on Monday.
"It's going to be a great match up, and I'm looking forward to it.
"He's a captain in the middle, he plays pretty much 80 minutes, and needs to lead his side and communicate and lead for his actions.
"The way he attacks, it's obviously really dangerous. A lot of teams have trouble containing him ... When he does play, I tune in and watch him really closely."
Grant has had a mortgage on the Kangaroos hooking role since his debut in 2022, albeit sometimes coming off the bench with utility Ben Hunt starting at No.9.
Australia selectors could opt for that same approach in this year's Ashes, with Tests at Wembley, Everton and Headingley.
But Brailey could also loom as a back-up option for the Kangaroos given his hot form this year, with Reece Robson and Tom Dearden other candidates.
The Cronulla No.9 is almost certain to become the first Shark since Michael Ennis in 2015 to be crowned Dally M hooker of the year next Wednesday night.
Brailey also has options around the Ashes.
His mother was born in Liverpool, and he is therefore eligible to play for England.
Brailey has not previously been contacted by English officials, and if he did opt to play for them he would immediately become ineligible for State of Origin under current rules.
"Hopefully we're playing together," the hooker said of he and Grant.
"It's a long way away and I can play for England too.
"I do have a soft side for England. My mum means so much to me and she was born in Liverpool in England. She didn't come to Australia until she's a bit older.
"I'm not too sure what the next few weeks have in store for me, but hopefully I do get a phone call ... All those things will come off the back of a good finals series."
9°C