Bradman Best in telling Knights revelation after breakout season in NRL

After a career-best season that saw him earn his State of Origin debut, Bradman Best has been free to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 as he comes off contract at the end of 2024. But Best has reportedly told teammates that he will remain at the Newcastle Knights, although didn't give a definite answer to reports that he has already agreed a three-year extension with the club.

In 25 games for Newcastle last season, Best was instrumental in the Knights reaching the finals and going on an impressive 10-match winning streak. In 2023 he scored 13 tries, provided ten try assists, registered 11 line-breaks and averaged more than 110 running metres a game.

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Best told foxsports.com.au that the next period in his career is "exciting" but refused to comment on the specifics of a new contract as he says it is still being taken care of behind the scenes. "I love the boys here, I’ve been here ever since I can remember — I’ve lived in Newcastle for most of my life. I obviously don’t want it dragging into the season so the sooner (the future is settled) the better," he said. "It’s a special club, like I said I’ve only ever been here and the boys make it special as well... it’s home."

Best first cracked the Knights side as an 18-year-old in 2019 and after bursting onto the scene but a few quieter years led to uncertainty surrounding his future in the red and blue. However, he found his best form in 2023 which saw him secure a spot in the Blues side for game three.

Bradman Best credits decision to return early to pre-season training for breakout year

The Knights centre credits coach Adam O’Brien pushing his players to return to pre-season early, for why he had such a surge in form. Best said he wanted to prove to himself and his team that he was up for the 2023 campaign so decided to enter camp early, a choice that paid dividends.

When asked about that choice, Best gave an honest assessment of his previous years, admitting they were not good enough. "I just wanted to be my best so I thought I’d come in early and train with all of the new guys that started on day one — I think that definitely played a part (in such a successful year)."

Bradman Best pursued by Wests Tigers

The Wests Tigers attempted to lure the Blues centre to the club in the NRL off-season by reportedly offering to make him the highest-paid centre in the NRL. The offer was reportedly around $800,000 a season over three years.

However, according to The Daily Telegraph, Best turned down that deal, instead opting to stay at the Knights in a deal reportedly worth $700,000 a season that will extend to 2027. In an earlier interview, Best said the culture of the club played a massive part in his decision.

"I want to stay here. The Tigers have shown some interest, they are keen, but I have to weigh everything up," Best previously said. "If it all works out as we plan, I’ll be staying at the Knights. We’ll see what happens but I’m really settled here.

"I love the club and I love the culture we have built. The boys here are all so connected and we are a close bunch, so to walk away from that would be really hard."

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