Bradman Best had a fantastic end to his 2023 season, forming a dangerous left edge combo with Greg Marzhew that propelled the Knights to the finals, while also switching to a New South Wales jersey.
The centre, who has only one year left on his contract at Newcastle, has suddenly become one of the hottest commodities poised to hit the open market on November 1 as a result.
Best has been highly regarded since debuting into the NRL as a teenager in 2019, and he appears to be more than ready to realise his enormous potential in the coming seasons.
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However, Best’s 2023 season was divided into two halves, with only one try in the first ten rounds compared to 12 in his previous 16 games.
Best, together with Marzhew and Kalyn Ponga, propelled the Knights from near the bottom of the standings at the midway point of the season to the top eight, frequently scoring 30 or more points during a nine-game winning streak.
This type of performance earned admiring glances from opponents, with the Wests Tigers reportedly high on the list for his services in 2025 and beyond.
The Tigers had another terrible season, with Tim Sheens leaving early as head coach and Benji Marshall taking over as they won their second consecutive wooden spoon.
The Tigers scored 20 points or more five times in 2023, although their assault frequently failed due to a lack of strike weapons and a settled halves partnership.
Following Luke Brooks’ departure and Adam Doueihi’s ongoing recuperation from a third ACL injury, Marshall will field a new partnership in Next season, veteran Aidan Sezer will replace Jayden Sullivan and Latu Fainu at Nos. 6 and No. 7, respectively.
After signing a new long-term contract, Starford To’a will continue to play in the centres. However, there is a lack of depth at the position, with Asu Kepaoa expected to return in 2024.
However, former Tigers player Joel Caine has raised his concerns over the club’s pursuit of Best, claiming that there are better ways to spend the available riches than on the 22-year-old.
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“If you look at the last few premierships, the formula has not really beenspending up in the centre position,” Caine said on SEN.
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