Newcastle star Bradman Best has vowed to do “what’s best for me” as his famous father-inlaw Jeff Fenech emerges as the secret weapon in potentially delivering him to the Eels.
Boxing legend Fenech has offered to be a blue-and-gold ambassador to help seal a package deal for his son-in-law Best to take a premiership leap of faith with Parramatta.
Best will make his Test debut in Sunday’s World Cup clash against Fiji and the Newcastle powerhouse will run onto Suncorp Stadium with his future at the Knights delicately poised.
The Knights have tabled a four-year deal worth up to $4 million in a bid to stave off poaching threats led by the Eels, who are ready to make a play for Best from November 1.
The NSW Origin centre won’t sign with the Knights before November 1.
While he said it would be a gut-wrenching call to quit Newcastle, Best will head to free agency and put his family first when deciding on whether to defect to the Eels.
“It’s about my family and making sure we’re settled and we’re happy,” said Best, who had his first child last year with Fenech’s daughter Kayla.
“I’m a father now, I’ve got a bub, so I’m making sure we’re happy and healthy.
“I’m a Newcastle junior. I love it there. I have been there since a young kid but I’m a father now. I’ve got to do what’s best for me.
“I’m here in camp worrying about this. I know November’s around the corner and I’ve just put it (contract talks) on hold, so I’ll be going to November 1.
“I’ll just let all the media talk and the contract stuff will sort itself out but I’m in no rush.
“I think there’s half the Aussie team off contract, so there’s plenty of talk. All the boys are talking about it.”
Best was the butt of jokes on Thursday when his Australian teammates called him “cash”, a lighthearted reference to Newcastle’s mega contract offer to keep him in the Steel City until the end of 2031.
“There’s plenty of cash going around apparently,” Best said with a laugh. “So we’ll see what happens.”
The Knights are in a premiership window after their fairytale grand final appearance and Best indicated they were favourites to retain him.
“For sure, walking away (from the Knights) would be hard,” he said.
“I’ve been through the struggles for a long time and to see where we’ve come now and what we’re able to achieve, it’s special.
“I know the club’s heading in the right direction and I know there are a few of us lads at Newcastle coming off contract.
“Hopefully we can get something done there.”
Best also fired a parting shot at the club’s former head of recruitment Peter O’Sullivan over his contract situation. He suggested the veteran administrator leaving Newcastle might help matters.
“I know there are a few of us lads at Newcastle coming off contract,” Best said.
“I know the person that was handing out the contracts, a few people were upset (with him). But now he’s gone, so hopefully we can get something done.”
One trump card for the Eels could be the Fenech factor.
Australia’s greatest boxer played a reserve grade game for the Eels in 1989.
“I would love Bradman to go to the Eels,” Fenech said. “They haven’t offered me anything but they want me to be an ambassador and I would love my granddaughter and son-in-law to live here closer to me.
“My poor wife drives five hours a day (to Newcastle) to go and see our grandchild.
“To be honest, I don’t give a f--k who he plays for, I just want that club to set Bradman up for life.
“I will say this. I saw how Justin Holbrook (Newcastle coach) got the Knights together.
He took families to dinner, he made it a very family orientated club.
“But at Parramatta, it’s crazy what the club can offer their players and families.
“Parramatta is a club I love. I would give up all my world title belts in boxing to play one NRL game at halfback for the Eels.
“If Parramatta want me to do something, I would do it straight away. I love the club, I love their culture and I love their fans.
“If Parra make him a massive offer, if I was managing Bradman, I’d say you have to look after yourself and family.”
Best is desperate for a maiden premiership ring and knows joining Parramatta comes with risks given the club finished 13th this season and hasn’t won a title in 40 years.
“I want to win games,” Best said.
“Money’s not the be all and end all but it goes a long way.
“I want to make sure I’m winning games.
“I’ve just come off a grand final loss and I want to chase that premiership, so I’ll take everything into (consideration).”
Replies
Reading between the lines, imo I think he will stay with the Knights.
Go hard for Bostock.
Only thing with Bostock is, is he a Wing or Centre? I mean better than what we have anyway I guess so doesn't matter.
As for Best, yeah I'm leaning towards he stays but I'm slightly more confident than before.
Unfortunately he won't be leaving the Knights after that latest offer. He wants to stay, and so he should. He's a knights junior.
I don't think Bostock is a good idea. Don't think we should be breaking the bank for a winger, as good as he is.
Realistic targets are: Fletcher Hunt (now that Knights cap are stretched), Jack Howarth and Blaize Talagi. I can't see why we can't get all 3 TBH. Penisini can go, he's reached his ceiling.
If i were Best id be keeping this guy happy
Chiefy I was at the game when Jeff made his res grade debut....think he wore a jerset with no.40 or something and his shoulder pads etc. he was small but strong
Yeah after watching his interview - he def spoke his mind which seems great but I am not as convinced he will come down here. He is on the coast and would need to uproot his family and move here; and yes the $$ would be more but I am not as sure.
I am thinking we will more than likely get the other Howarth (and not Geoffrey Howarth either former Test cricket Capt NZ).