Bradman Best played a key role in New South Wales’ famous win over Queensland on Wednesday but was left with scars from the gruelling match at Suncorp Stadium.
The 22-year-old Best scored the try that opened the game for the Blues, capitalising on a line-breaking run from Jarome Luai to score in the left corner for the visitors, who secured only their third victory on hostile soil in their history.
The Newcastle Knights gun proved in his first Origin game that he more than deserves his place on the big stage.
The midfielder, who is in a relationship with Kayla Fenech, the daughter of boxing legend Jeff, showed incredible fighting spirit throughout the match and was hit hard after the final whistle.
The young man had a split and bloody lip, but seemed unfazed when Nine asked him about it.
“One of the toughest games I’ve ever played,” he said. “When you come here, it’s so nice to win.
‘I have not seen it [the lip injury] but I definitely felt it.
‘I wasn’t worried, we knew what we had to do, we just had to build up pressure and that’s what we did to get the win.
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‘It was surreal. Jarome did all the hard work and I just finished it. Excited, overjoyed, very special.
“I can’t wait to have a few beers and celebrate with the boys.”
Kayla was present at Suncorp Stadium for the milestone victory and expressed her pride in her friend’s achievement.
“So proud,” she wrote next to three hearts as Best enjoyed the ovation from the Blues fans as the players walked their lap of honour.
More to follow.