Bradman Best may be heading to free agency in under two months, after the extension offer the Newcastle Knights offered him came way under what he had been expected to see cash-wise.
The 25-year-old is very happy in the Hunter, but considering he’s a State of Origin calibre player, was hoping to get an upgrade when he re-signed for 2028 and beyond.
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It may be that he speaks to several clubs about playing with them, and then stil re-signs with the Knights. Right now, the Parramatta Eels and St George Illawarra Dragons are two suitors that are hoping he waits until November 1 so that they can take their formal signing deals to him and speak terms.
“That’s going to happen,” Knights coach Justin Holbrook told the Newcastle Herald regarding other clubs wanting to pick Best up. “Whenever someone doesn’t sign straight away or whatever, there’s going to be speculation for ages. I’m not buying into that, whatever happens, happens.”
“Wherever that lands, it lands. Obviously I love ‘Braddy,’ I want him to stay. But there’s a salary cap for a reason. Hopefully… I’d love to see Braddy stay.”
The Dragons have the inside track case-wise, with superstar signings like Valentine Holmes and Clinton Gutherson both wrapped up by late 2027. The Eels are in a similar situation though, especially with Zac Lomax now long gone.
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Newcastle have just recently picked up Bradman’s younger brother, Baxter, and will be hoping that is a good incentive for the older Best to stick around long-term.
The Knights are more focused on their finals clash with the Rabbitohs next Friday, for now.
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