Westpac NSW Blues centre Bradman Best says he needs to be the best version of himself in 2025 rather than rely on past form to catch the eye of incoming Origin coach Laurie Daley.
Best, 23, has scored three tries in two games – a double on debut in Game Three 2023 and then the victory-sealing try in Game Three at Suncorp Stadium last year, which handed NSW the Shield 2-1.
Speaking to the media after he returned to Newcastle Knights pre-season training this week, Best said he not had any conversations with Daley.
“Not so far but it’s unreal news for the Blues,” Best said.
“He’s going to be a great coach and I’m excited, especially after what we did last year.
“This year is a new year and a new coach so it’s exciting – good times ahead.”
Best should reach the 100 NRL-game milestone in 2025 as he currently sits on 87 games for the Knights, with 37 tries, since making his debut in 2019 as an 18 year-old.
He was plagued by hamstring injuries last year, forcing him to miss 10 matches in the regular season, ruling him out of Week One of the NRL finals, and making him unavailable for the opening two Origin games.
“It was … up and down so a bit frustrating there,” he said. “But the body is really good – I had a good break and I think that’s what I needed. I’ve come back and I haven’t missed a beat.
“It’s just on me now to make sure I tick my boxes on and off the field.
“I need to start (NRL season) well of course. Last year he (Daley) might take into consideration but there’s so many good centres out there that deserve that spot.
“So I’ve got to make sure I’m good to go and play my best footy.”
Best’s goals for the new season centre on the Knights reaching the finals for a third year in a row, retaining his NSW Blues jersey, and making the Kangaroos Tour to the UK. He was called onto the extended Australian bench for last October’s Pacific Championship by Test coach Mal Meninga.
“On the field with the club here first we speak about winning comps,” he said. “Obviously that’s a big goal but for us it’s every day about being better than we were yesterday.
“It’s just taking little steps like that.
“For me personally it’s also about putting that Blues jersey on again and being the best version of me. Just coming in (to training) making sure I have that steely mindset.
“And to put that Kangaroos jersey on is definitely a big goal.
“I know I didn’t play but I took a lot out of (the camp) and it puts the fire in the belly to hopefully one day pull that jersey on.”
