‘Bradman Best gave us a bit of a bath’: Knights centre gives Michael Maguire some good news
By Adrian Proszenko
After the carnage that has been the last few days, Michael Maguire has been in desperate need of some good news.
On a rainy afternoon at Tamworth’s Scully Park, it came in the form of Bradman Best. The Newcastle centre proved the difference in a tight affair, leading his side to a 20-14 win against Wests Tigers.
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Canterbury captain Stephen Crichton is a near-certain selection, although the race for the other NSW centre spot is wide open after Tom Trbojevic succumbed to yet another hamstring injury on Thursday night.
There is no shortage of candidates: Matt Burton, Jesse Ramien, Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton, Izack Tago, Kotoni Staggs and Joseph Suaalii all have claims for a call-up.
However, Best, the incumbent Blues three-quarter, produced an effort that should result in him standing out from the pack: 235 running metres, 11 tackle breaks, three line breaks, one line-break assist and a try.
This was every bit as dominant as his performance in Origin III when the Blues won 24-10 and he scored two tries. The Tigers right-edge defence was no match for his speed and power. “Bradman Best gave us a bit of a bath there,” Tigers coach Benji Marshall lamented.
Bradman Best has terrorised the Tigers’ defence in Tamworth.Getty
After witnessing the masterclass, Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien felt Best deserved to add to his single Origin appearance when the series begins in Sydney on June 5.
“It was a bloody good game from him, I know that,” O’Brien said. “I think he’s had a really good season, Bradman. Tonight he’s hands down our best player out there.
“I felt every time he got the ball it just looked like something was happening. I know they’ve got a [NSW] team to pick in a couple of weeks. I reckon he’s done himself a lot of favours there in most people’s opinions.“
The man of the moment admitted another Blues jersey was in the back of his mind.
Isaiah Papali’i celebrates after his try gives the Tigers an early lead in Tamworth.Getty
“Obviously it’s a dream come true to put that jersey on,” Best told Fox Sports. “It’s obviously another goal of mine. I’ll just keep playing good, consistent footy and see what happens.“
This was another case of the Tigers remaining in the fight until the end, although a lack of class and discipline again proved costly.
Both teams were cruelled by injury: Knights half Tyson Gamble suffered a break in his foot, while Tigers Starford To’a (hamstring) and John Bateman (pectoral) failed to complete the game and face stints on the sidelines. The sin-binning of star Tigers fullback Jahream Bula didn’t help.
The latest loss is the Tigers’ sixth straight, increasing the likelihood of a third consecutive wooden spoon.
“Well, firstly, a lot of adversity today for us and I was really proud of our boys in terms of effort,” Marshall said. “The one thing that’s non negotiable is our team’s effort and we’re not lacking that in any of our games. But what we are lacking is just moments in games where we seem to put pressure on ourselves and instead of applying pressure to the other team, we make it hard for ourselves. The game was there for us today to win it. And we didn’t.”
4.54pm on May 11, 2024
View from the couch at full-time
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4.52pm on May 11, 2024
Full-time - Knights win 20-14
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The 12-man Knights hold on for a hard-fought victory. Bradman Best was the star.
Best ran for 235 metres, made three line breaks and had 11 tackle busts to go with his try.
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That’s three straight wins for the Knights and six straight losses for the Tigers.
The Tigers lost centre Starford To’a to a hamstring injury on 15 minutes, and forward John Bateman didn’t return after half-time due to a pectoral problem.
Knights playmaker Tyson Gamble suffered a foot injury late in the first half and didn’t return. He was spotted on the sidelines after the break in a moon boot and on crutches.
Bradman Best scored a try and repeatedly ripped through the Tigers defence.Getty
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4.49pm on May 11, 2024
Tigers’ try
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And the Tigers set up a grand stand finish with a try to Brent Naden in the corner. There’s just over a minute to go. Knights lead 20-14.
4.42pm on May 11, 2024
Daniel Saifiti sent to the sin bin
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Daniel Saifiti sent to the sin bin for a high shot on Jake Simpkin. Can the Tigers take advantage with just under seven minutes left?
Also the Knights are with without David Armstrong who’s gone off for a HIA. Dane Gagai goes to fullback.
4.33pm on May 11, 2024
Knights’ try
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Bradman Best is having himself a day - and now a try to cap it off. Best has looked a real threat every time he’s touched the ball. This time some nice footwork and a few strong fends put him over to extend the Knights’ lead. It’s been a horror weekend for Michael Maguire with injuries to some key Blues players but Best has surely brightened things for him. Knights lead 20-10.
Bradman Best has terrorised the Tigers’ defence in Tamworth.Getty
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4.25pm on May 11, 2024
View from the couch with 20 minutes to go
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4.20pm on May 11, 2024
Tigers’ try
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This time the Tigers make it count. Isaiah Papali’i barges over carrying three defenders with him. Jayden Sullivan misses the conversion. Knights lead 14-10.
4.18pm on May 11, 2024
Tigers go so close
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Now it’s the Tigers who go the length of the field. Bula jumps highest to take a Tigers’ line dropout and then puts on the afterburners with Naden taken down just metres out from the Knights’ line. The Tigers go over under the posts but it’s ruled held up.
A length off the field try for the Knights. Greg Marzhew picks up a Tigers kick in his own in-goal, passes it to Bradman Best who goes around the outside of Charlie Staines and takes off down field. One-on-one with Jahream Bula, Best offloads to David Armstrong who goes around under the posts. Knights lead 14-6.