James Hooper is reporting that Newcastle are only able to offer Best $650k, with another report saying ratchet clauses would be included, while Parramatta are set to offer $850k. Also, Knights are considering moving Fletcher Sharpe to Centre with Sandon Smith at 7 and Brown at 6 once he returns.
Now firstly, yeah Newcastle are losing Gagai so moving Sharpe might not seem a big deal, though they have Toby Winter and Fletcher Hunt too. So is it worth paying Best that much. I digress, with saying take this with a grain of salt since Hooper can be wrong, as has Kent a fair bit on his show and i reckon they would have similar sources. But it is something as well.
Let's for argument sakes say it is true, surely Parra can throw in an extra $50-100k and maybe a ratchet in there to get him over the line? That would truly blow Newcastle out of the water. Best has done this before where he went in Nov 1. then signed with the Knights anyway. The one thing that is different is he says he wants the best deal for his family. Money can be best for the family. Added is the talk of fiancee wanting to move down to Sydney, not that big of a deal living in Newcastle and not a deal breaker or maker, but it helps.
So again, Hooper has gotten things right but also has gotten his fair share wrong. But let's hope it is all right.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhW9c5NlR48&t=1814s Go to about 28:00 mark.
Replies
Hell yeah, I'd pay him close to 1m. And happy to wait till 2028, he is only 25 now.
Knights cap is shot. Don't forget nuikore is going there to on decent coin. Problem knights are facing is mckewen and the other back rower will be getting upgrades along with croker. Lucas is also on good coin. Something has to give there.
Not just that, most players are going to be demanding decent coin since making a GF. Likes of Saulo, Crouch, Hopwood. All nobodies really, played in a GF, they will demand an upgrade.
Exactly
Hooper is the Opposite Man, if he said this then there is a 99% chance Best isn't coming.
I wouldn't say 99% but he gets his fair share wrong. Kirby as well as I have still yet to see Galvin or Suli at Parra.
Barry Toohey is more on the money.
But wait, there's more......
Is the reason you are hinting but not saying due to people who leak swore you to secrecy?