James Hooper: Bradman Best a good chance at signing with Parramatta

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.

The Parramatta Eels are pleased to announce that experienced forward Junior Paulo has extended his contract with the Club for a further year until the end of the 2027 season. One of the most respected players in the NRL, Paulo has been a cornerstone…

"Gee Pou, facts and figures have little understanding for our Chiefy, when he makes up his mind there is no way out!
What it does tell you but! is that Chief is very short on judgement. He is going to be a "podcaster" and give them hell just the…"

"Talk about a heading of CONTRADICTIONS.....Best a good chance of signing with Parramatta.....so says Hooper reporting only offering 650K , then again Hooper might be wrong as Kent has him on his show.....
We then get a Hooper could be wrong and…"

Replies

Yehez October 14, 2026 at 9:10pm

Hell yeah, I'd pay him close to 1m. And happy to wait till 2028, he is only 25 now.
KENDOZA October 14, 2026 at 9:46pm

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.
- LB > KENDOZA October 14, 2026 at 10:03pm
  
  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.
  - KENDOZA > LB October 15, 2026 at 7:41am
    
    Exactly
Kurupt - Your Mums Favourite Thug October 15, 2026 at 4:59am

Hooper is the Opposite Man, if he said this then there is a 99% chance Best isn't coming.
- LB > Kurupt - Your Mums Favourite Thug October 15, 2026 at 6:51am
  
  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.
Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst October 15, 2026 at 7:41am

But wait, there's more......
- LB > Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst October 15, 2026 at 8:14am
  
  Is the reason you are hinting but not saying due to people who leak swore you to secrecy?
  - Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst > LB October 15, 2026 at 9:11am
    
    To be fair I don't think Best agrees to the deal.
Trent October 15, 2026 at 9:02am

No dice

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