Holbrook admits it will be hard to keep Best.

In what could be a positive in the chase for Bradman Best is Newcastle coach, Justin Holbrook, admitting though it would be nice to keep Best, the cap is already worn thin as it is. Best is currently on $700k, he would be looking at $800k+. With Fletcher Hunt and Dom Young off-contract at the same time, and Toby Winters coming through as a possible Centre, Best becomes less of a priority as Newcastle look to balance out their roster. With Ponga and Brown commanding roughly $2.6mil between them, forking out $800k plus for a Centre might just be too rich when they are in need of another middle.

It wont happen, but if i was Parra and we landed Best for 2028, i would offer up Moretti since Newcastle went for him to start this year, and offer to take Best's full deal in 2027 to get him immediately. Frees up space for Newcastle to play with as they extend their talent. Again, if we do end up signing Best, i doubt Newcastle let him go early, just a thought.

But overall, this admission from Holbrook is realistic and a positive in our pursuit of Best. Does it mean he leaves 100% guarenteed? Of course not, but it helps.

https://www.zerotackle.com/holbrook-provides-bradman-best-contract-update-admits-salary-cap-not-easy-237459/

No warriors fan but seriously some of the worst refereeing or more so inaction of the bunker that I’ve ever seen. This game has gone to shit. The Cherry Evans no penalty / sin bin was bad enough but that shit was just appeasing the betting…

"Eels should have signed Holbrook instead of Ryles! That obstruction right at the end should have been a Warriors penalty which would have levelled the score "

"Good game and Knights were deserved winners! The Warriors just seem to collapse towards the end of the year! I'd love the Knights to beat the Penrith Cheetahs but the NRL won't let that happen! Be good for a Dolphins vs Knights Grand Final but…"

Replies

- - - - Poppa > Eli Stephens August 29, 2026 at 8:36am
        
        Doh!
    - Poppa > JC August 29, 2026 at 8:34am
      
      You don't draw the line....you go in with an open mind and adjust to the situation! if paying the extra 25/50 rather than being rigid.....if he wants 200 more you will probably say no, but if you lost your 3 previous bids you just bend more than you expected too.
      - JC > Poppa August 29, 2026 at 9:09am
        
        You answered it yourself, if he wants 25/50k more you do it, once it goes beyond that you hold firm.
        
        I just don't think Best with his injury history, which is bad, is the right player to go all in on.
        
        HH - Love You Iongi Time! > JC August 29, 2026 at 9:53am
        
        True this. Has only played over 18 games in a season on one occasion.
        
        He would be a handy, and welcomed inclusion but can not go too far overs for him.
Tin Tim September 20, 2026 at 5:42pm

We need this guy in Eels colours. Having a great game!!
- macybrown > Tin Tim September 20, 2026 at 6:05pm
  
  Yes fabulous game from him. Sharpe was absolutely outstanding!
  
  id be surprised if they let Best go tho.
macybrown September 20, 2026 at 6:04pm

Holbrook should be ecstatic as Newc's were great but holy shit warriors have got some absolutely filthy calls!!!!

Holbrook should get coach of the year.
- Tin Tim > macybrown September 20, 2026 at 6:13pm
  
  I thought the Knights first try was 50 50, man they have let go worst.
- Mallee57 > macybrown September 20, 2026 at 6:36pm
  
  Eels should have signed Holbrook instead of Ryles! That obstruction right at the end should have been a Warriors penalty which would have levelled the score
Mallee57 September 20, 2026 at 6:34pm

Good game and Knights were deserved winners! The Warriors just seem to collapse towards the end of the year! I'd love the Knights to beat the Penrith Cheetahs but the NRL won't let that happen! Be good for a Dolphins vs Knights Grand Final but knowing the NRL they'll make sure it's the Penrith Cheetahs vs The Sydney Rorts!