Bradman Best confirms long-term Newcastle Knights extension

Bradman Best has officially re-signed with the Newcastle Knights, putting pen to paper on a three-year NRL contract extension.

The 22-year-old centre has been one of the club’s shining lights since bursting onto the scene as a teenager and will now remain in the Hunter until at least the end of 2027.

Best made his State of Origin debut for NSW last year and scored two tries on debut, while also helping the Knights to an unlikely finals finish.

His new deal is worth an estimated $700,000 per season, making him one of the highest paid centres in the NRL alongside Zac Lomax, Stephen Crichton and Kotoni Staggs.

“We are delighted Bradman has re-committed to the Knights,” Newcastle director of football Peter Parr said in a statement.

“Bradman had a wonderful season in 2023 and at his age there is no doubt he will continue to grow and improve.

“We look forward to Bradman playing a significant role for the club in the coming years.”

The local product made his first grade debut in the red and blue jumper in late-2019, becoming the second-youngest debutant in the club’s rich history behind Owen Craigie.

Best has gone on to score 30 tries in 70 NRL appearances for the Knights, becoming a focal point of their attack and forming a lethal combination with Kalyn Ponga.

His debut in the representative arena saw Best cross for a double in the dead-rubber clash with Queensland in game three of the 2023 State of Origin series, with the Blues emerging victorious at Accor Stadium.

Best joins the likes of Ponga and Jacob Saifiti in committing to Newcastle long-term.