Bradman Best: The Dolphins Join the Eels in the Race for the Knights Centre
The Dolphins are preparing to enter the race for Bradman Best, the Daily Telegraph reported, joining Parramatta as a club ready to move if he does not re-sign with Newcastle.
The Eels are still seen as the leading contenders. Best has been free to talk to rival clubs about 2028 since 1 November, and his Knights deal ends after 2027.
Why Redcliffe would need room
The Dolphins’ interest depends on their own centres. Herbie Farnworth has drawn interest from the Roosters and Jack Bostock has been linked with a return to his junior club, St George Illawarra. If both leave after 2027, the Dolphins would have the cap space for Best. If only one goes, it gets harder, because either would want a raise to stay.
Selwyn Cobbo and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow are signed long-term, so the Dolphins’ gap is in the centres.
Bostock is the twist
Bostock matters to Parramatta too. Michael Ennis said on NRL 360 that the Eels are looking at both Bostock and Best. Parramatta have just told Josh Addo-Carr he can leave, which could free up money on their cap.
So the same two centres are linked with both clubs. If the Eels sign Bostock, the Dolphins would have room to chase Best, and the reverse could happen too.
Newcastle still get first go
Best has said the Knights come first. “I love the coach (at Newcastle). I want to sit down and give the Knights, Justo (Justin Holbrook) the first crack at it,” he told Zero Tackle. “My brother did just sign with Newy. So there’s definitely reasons to stay.”
We covered his first-crack pledge and the Eels and Knights offers earlier. Best has played left centre for the Kangaroos throughout the World Cup, and they meet New Zealand in Sunday’s final; our World Cup final kick-off times page has the times.
