- Bradman Best recalled by NSW Blues for Origin decider
- Replaces the injured Latrell Mitchell in the center
- His younger brother Baxter Best is a young footballer
NSW Origin star Bradman Best has confirmed his brother plays for Queensland, but he is adamant the hotly-talked-about teenager will be a proud Blues supporter in the series-deciding match on July 17.
Baxter Best recently caught the eye while representing Queensland’s under-15 boys, and the Ipswich State High pupil is currently with the Brisbane Broncos on a development deal.
On Sunday, his older brother Bradman Best was brought on directly by manager Michael Maguire as a replacement for the injured Latrell Mitchell ahead of the third game. The Knights fan favourite had no doubt that Baxter would be cheering him on at Suncorp Stadium.
My family moved to Queensland and he [Baxter] was playing [recently] “With the Queensland under-15 schoolboys,” he said of the talented fullback.
‘I know for sure he’ll go for me, he’ll go for the Blues.
‘He was born in NSW but his family moved there… so he’s a Blue through and through.’
Best, who scored twice on his debut in the Blues’ third match last year, is also likely to replace Knights team-mate Dane Gagai in the deciding Origin match.
“It’s going to be special. He’s the old bull and I’m the young bull, it’s going to be a good fight,” he said News Corp.
NSW Origin star Bradman Best (right) has explained why his brother Baxter (left) plays for Queensland but will be a proud Blues supporter in the Origin decider
Bradman Best was picked by NSW coach Michael Maguire to replace the injured Latrell Mitchell for the third match in Brisbane
‘He is one of the best centres. Of course I also train against him. It will be good, with KP [Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga] there too.
“This is the biggest thing ever, it’s exciting and I can’t wait for the challenge.”
Best will have to prove he is fit before he can play for the Blues. The 22-year-old is undergoing precautionary tests on his hamstring after the Knights’ win over the Raiders in Canberra.
Besides football, the young lady is also in a relationship with Kayla Fenech, the daughter of former Australian world boxing champion Jeff Fenech.
Elsewhere, Bulldogs match-winner Matt Burton has been called up to the NSW training camp as the 18th man.
The Blues last won the interstate shield in 2021, when Queensland coach Billy Slater was chasing his third straight series win.