Wests Tigers are preparing to make a rich play for Newcastle star Bradman Best once the November 1 trade window opens.
It is understood that the Tigers will want to make Best one of the highest paid centres in the competition by offering a long-term deal worth more than $800,000 a year. The Tigers are on the lookout for a strike centre with Best at the top of their list. They could also make a play for St George Illawarra centre Moses Suli, who made his NRL debut at the Tigers in 2017.
While the Tigers are ready to pounce on Best, Newcastle are confident they will lock him down before he is free to negotiate with rival clubs and have already been engaged in positive talks with Best and his new agent.
Coach Adam O’Brien and head of football Peter Parr were spotted catching up with Best and his family last month as they move to keep the strike weapon at their club.
The Knights will put together a three-year contract worth more than $700,000 as they look to keep their finals team together.
Even that contract would make Best among the top paid centres in the game. Only the likes of Joey Manu ($820,000), Valentine Holmes ($875,000) and Jack Wighton ($850,000) are expected to earn more than him playing at centre when his new deal kicks in.
After an inconsistent start to this year Best found his groove in 2023 culminating in a NSW Origin debut. He was part of the Kangaroos extended squad before being narrowly overlooked for a place in the 21.
Newcastle are desperately working to keep their improving squad together.
Utility Phoenix Crossland has already accepted less money than his market value to help keep the team in tact after inking a new two-year deal.
The Knights are also in talks with prop Jacob Saifiti to keep him at the club. Newcastle have Best, Saifiti, Dane Gagai, Enari Tuala, Mat Croker, Tyson Gamble and Tyson Frizell among the free agents come November 1.
