Brailey was coming through the junior system when Cronulla overcame injuries to Paul Gallen and Wade Graham and stunned the Raiders in week one of the 2016 finals.
That come-from-behind win ignited the Sharks, who charged through September and claimed a long-awaited first premiership in their 50th season.
Stand-in captain Brailey remembers the two-point victory well, including the post-match celebrations of former Sharks hooker Ennis.
After stepping up without injured leaders Gallen and Graham, Ennis caused a stir by mimicking the Raiders' signature Viking clap before the Canberra home crowd.
In the years since, Ennis has visited Sharks training to unpack the vital win and its place in club history.
"That was the turning point in 2016," Brailey told AAP.
"I obviously remember Mick Ennis doing the clap. He's come into the stadium before and told us about that situation where 'Gal' was out and Wade went down.
"He had to grab the side by the scruff of the neck. Obviously it's a pivotal part of Sharks history. That 2016 year was really special.
"It was very inspiring, being a local junior watching that series, and something I want to bring to the Shire."
The Sharks hooker for this Saturday's knockout semi-final is a much different character from infamous agitator Ennis.
It wouldn't be Brailey's style to taunt the Canberra crowd if the Sharks were to beat their hosts and advance to a grand final qualifier against Melbourne.
"I'll be keeping our energy within us," Brailey said.
But Brailey has found his own brand of confidence since replacing the injured Cameron McInnes as captain on the run to finals.
In the midst of a career-best season, the hooker has handled his extra responsibilities with aplomb.
"The start was a bit of a shock, I definitely didn't have captaining the side in a finals series in my mind at all at any stage, so I'm learning more about myself each week," Brailey said.
"Probably if anything it's helped my game, to really focus on the game plan now and lead more on my actions and lead more at training."
