Bradman Best is set to capitalise off his strongest season to date by inking a big-money extension with the Newcastle Knights.
That is according to Wide World of Sports’ The Mole, who reports Best will sign a three-year extension worth $700,000 a season, making it one of the richest deals for a centre in the Knights’ history.
Best’s current deal expires at the end of the upcoming season, meaning he became a free agent on November 1 and has been able to negotiate with rival clubs.
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Several clubs were interested in his services, including the Wests Tigers, who were reportedly willing to offer him $800,000 per season.
But the 22-year-old has turned his back on the opportunity to earn an extra $100,000 a year to instead reaffirm his commitment to the Knights.
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Best was in red-hot form in 2023. He made 25 appearances for the Knights — a career high — and made his State of Origin debut. He was also a key player in Newcastle’s run to the finals.
The news comes after he said in August that he was hoping to get a new deal done “as soon as possible.”
But within the five months that have passed he’s linked up with a new management group — Black Money Enterprises.
WWOS’ update comes two days after Knights football director Peter Parr assured the Newcastle Herald that he wasn’t concerned about how long it’s taking to get the deal done.
“Now that everybody is back and around the place, we’ll resume our discussions and see where they take us,” he added.
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He ruled out putting a deadline on Best saying “I don’t think that would achieve too much.”
And shrugged off the Tigers’ interest.
“I wouldn’t say I was concerned about that,” Parr said.
“Our role is to ensure we’re doing the best for all parties.
“Our role is to provide with Bradman an appropriate offer, within any constraints we may have in the salary cap, and doing the best for the club.
“So it’s always a little bit tricky. But we’re doing our best to meet all those requirements, and then it’s a decision for Bradman.
“I’m still confident he’ll remain at the club, but the only guarantee I have is that we’re doing everything we can to convince him to stay.”
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