Parramatta Eels set to target Knights star Bradman Best if he hits the open market

Parramatta are set to make a massive play for NSW centre Bradman Best should he remain on the open market come November 1.It is understood the Eels have earmarked Best as their top target to add some much needed strike to their outside backs.Best could command up to $1 million to switch clubs having been locked in extended talks with the Knights.So far Best and the Knights have been unable to come to terms on a new deal with his contract expiring at the end of next year.Best is still only 25 and has played 118 top grade games for the Knights and has won each of his three Origin games, including two deciders in Brisbane. If they can’t close out a deal the Eels would look to pounce. Best is among the high profile outside backs off-contract including Dolphins trio Jack Bostock, Herbie Farnworth and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.The Eels are also monitoring Bostock’s future at the Dolphins amid speculation he wants to return to Sydney.If Best signs with Parramatta he would follow in the footsteps of his future father-in-law Jeff Fenech, who played lower grades at the Eels.Best is engaged to Fenech’s daughter Kayla and the pair have a daughter, Kaliyah, who was born in December.The Eels have Jaydn Su’A (Dragons) and Jarome Luai (Wests Tigers) signed on from next season while they remain confident of securing Roosters prop Spencer Leniu.Parramatta have also made a pitch to sign Storm centre Jack Howarth, although it is understood he will stay in Melbourne for at least next season.

"The only value Talagi has is his versatility, but I can't see him coming here to play reggies. Penrith tried to turn him into a 1st grader, and failed, what chance do we have. As for Bostock and Best, you wouldn't sign them on tonight's performance."

Replies

LB August 26, 2026 at 7:20pm

Ok Howarth staying in Melbourne for the year at least. Personally, fine with Best but Bostock is who I would target heavily. Many argue Bostock's sister moved to QLD to be closer to him. In fact she's dating Tevita Naufahu so that makes more sense.
- RB > LB August 27, 2026 at 9:34am
  
  Yeah but those Nrlw players are only only 1 or 2 year deals. She can move back to Sydney with her family whenever
Zip zip August 26, 2026 at 7:58pm

I'm sure his future father-in-law will be in his ear to come to Parra...
Gaz Nelson August 26, 2026 at 8:16pm

Would be over the moon if we got any of them across the line. Best and Bostock are a level above Howarth. Hamish and Herbie are no chance.
- Eli Stephens > Gaz Nelson August 26, 2026 at 8:20pm
  
  They really need to sell Spencer on starting and being the forward leader 50+ min a game. Roosters have stuck him on the bench and so did panthers. Definitely has another gear he can go to
Clintorian August 26, 2026 at 10:22pm

Bradman Best would be a great acquisition, but it's also a MASSIVE risk to our cap. He plays 1 game and is out for the next 3, so paying any more than $700k just isn't smart cap management, that's why Knights are letting him walk.

Bostock is a much better play, give him a decent contract for 4 years and watch him grow in value.
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin August 26, 2026 at 10:53pm

Fuck we do love a rumour at Parramatta lol
- fishbulb > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin August 26, 2026 at 11:24pm
  
  It's all we've got at the moment lol
Coryn Hughes August 27, 2026 at 5:13am

Targets a poor description.

Landing Bradman Best is what needs to happen.

I targeted Bradman Best 2-3 weeks ago Eli Stephens in another thread fans target players all the time the club as above need to get this across line. 5yrs 4.5 mill is where I start,cmon Newcastle match that.
- JC > Coryn Hughes August 27, 2026 at 6:15am
  
  So signing a player that since his debut has played 118 games for the knights, missed 55 games 31 of which were due to injury is a must?, how much must we pay him ?, $1m per season?.