Newcastle centre Bradman Best has confirmed he will test his value in free agency on November 1, and suggested a new deal with the Knights may be easier to strike now that the club’s former recruitment boss has left.
Best, who still has a year to run on his contract, spoke about his future from the Kangaroos’ Rugby League World Cup camp ahead of his Test debut against Fiji, NewsWire reported via The Australian on Thursday.
The 25-year-old has played his entire eight-year NRL career at Newcastle and is fresh from the grand final, which the Knights lost 19-18 to the Sydney Roosters.
NewsWire reported that rival clubs, led by the Eels, are expected to go hard at the representative centre once the free agency window opens.
Best’s comments on the Knights contracts
“I know there are a few of us lads at Newcastle coming off contract. I know the person that was handing out the contracts, a few people were upset (with him). But now he’s gone, so hopefully we can get something done,” Best said.
Read more: Kangaroos Team to Face Fiji: Tedesco Captains, Four to Debut
Best did not name anyone, but NewsWire reported that his comments were aimed at Peter O’Sullivan, who was Newcastle’s head of recruitment for about 18 months before the Broncos appointed him as their general manager of recruitment on 14 October.
The Knights named player agent Anthony Field as their new head of recruitment on Thursday, with former player Alex McKinnon promoted to pathways recruitment manager, the Newcastle Herald reported.
‘Money isn’t the be all and end all’
Best, now a father, said his family was his main priority as he weighs up his future.
“My family (is what drives me) and making sure that we’re settled and happy. I’m a father now so I’ve got to make sure we’re happy and healthy,” he said.
Read more: Justin Holbrook Extends Knights Deal Through 2030
“But I also want to win games. Money isn’t the be all and end all, but it goes a long way. I want to make sure that I’m winning games. I’ve just come off a grand final loss, and I want to chase that premiership.”
“Walking away (from Newcastle) would be hard. I’ve been through the struggles for a long time, so to see where we’ve come now and what we were able to achieve was special. I know the club is heading in the right direction.”
“I’m a Newcastle junior, I love it there and I’ve been there since I was a young kid. But I’m a father now and I’ve got to do what’s best for me.”
“I know that November is around the corner, so I’ve put it all on hold, so obviously I’ll be going to November 1,” Best said. “All the media talk and contract stuff will sort itself out. I’m in no rush (to sign). I think half the boys here are off contract so all the boys are talking about it.”
Kangaroos debut against Fiji
Best is one of four players set to make their Kangaroos debut against Fiji at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday 25 October, alongside Sam Walker, Blayke Brailey and David Fifita. Kick-off is 8.05pm AEDT.
“It means everything,” Best said of the call-up, recalling that he wrote down his childhood dream in year six. “(For me) it was to play rugby league for Australia, so ever since I was a little kid I’ve been dreaming of this. It’s pretty special and it’s surreal.”
More News
