Bradman Best Says the $4 Million Knights Offer Never Existed as Parramatta Close In
Bradman Best says he never received the four-year, $4 million offer from Newcastle that several outlets reported, and the gap between the Knights and Parramatta is now out in the open.
“That hasn’t been the case,” Best told Code Sports. “I don’t know where that offer came from. I don’t know who leaked it, but it’s not the case. I never received the deal which has been put out, and I don’t know how that figure has been put out. At the moment, it’s just all talk.”
About $200,000 a year apart
News.com.au reported that the Knights are willing to offer Best around $800,000 a season and that Parramatta are ready to table around $1 million. Fox Sports said the only Newcastle offer so far is around $800,000. ESPN reported that the Eels are in the “box seat”, and Fox Sports named St George Illawarra as another interested club.
Best, 25, is off contract at the end of 2027 and became a free agent on 1 November. Zero Tackle noted that he went past the same date last time he was off contract, then re-signed with Newcastle.
“Sleepless nights are definitely on the cards”
Best told Fox Sports in the Kangaroos camp on Monday that he has not decided. “I haven’t made a decision yet and I’m in no rush to make a decision,” he said. “I’m a father now so we’ll sit down in due time and make a decision about what we feel is best for myself and the family.”
He also said Newcastle will get the first chance. “I want to be loyal to Newcastle. I want to sit down with the coach. I’ve got a lot of respect for Justin (Holbrook) and what he’s done for not only myself but the club this year.”
He has lived through the bad years. “There were some embarrassing days with wooden spoons, but to see the club where it is now and where it’s going, I definitely give Newcastle the first crack at it.” Our story on the Knights going from the wooden spoon to the grand final covers that turnaround.
Why Newcastle may not match it
Zero Tackle reported that the Knights’ salary cap is stretched by the deals already done for Dylan Brown and Kalyn Ponga, whose contract runs to the end of 2030, as our Kalyn Ponga page explains. If Best leaves, news.com.au said Newcastle are ready to turn to Jack Bostock, who also has interest from the Dragons.
Best’s younger brother Baxter has also joined the Knights, which news.com.au listed as another factor.
No decision before the World Cup ends
Best has meetings lined up once he leaves the Kangaroos camp, including with Newcastle, news.com.au reported, and Zero Tackle said a deal is unlikely before the tournament is over. First he plays in the centres against Samoa in Sunday’s semi-final at Allianz Stadium. He made his World Cup debut against Fiji, and the World Cup table shows the path to the final on 15 November.
