Bradman Best has taken a subtle dig at Newcastle Knights' former head of recruitment Peter O'Sullivan as uncertainty continues to surround the star centre's future, with his father-in-law Jeff Fenech also making his preferred destination clear.
Best is off-contract at the end of next season and will be free to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1, leaving the Knights with just over a week to secure his future before other NRL teams can formally make a play for his services.
The 25-year-old has been a key figure in Newcastle's resurgence under coach Justin Holbrook, but the club's contract negotiations have attracted attention as they attempt to retain one of their most important players.
Speaking at Kangaroos camp on Thursday, Best suggested a change in personnel behind the scenes could help move discussions forward after O'Sullivan's departure for the Brisbane Broncos.
“I know the person who was handling the contracts, a few people were upset, but now he's gone so hopefully we can get something done there,” Best told media.
O'Sullivan's exit comes amid a significant overhaul of Newcastle's recruitment department, with the Knights announcing former player agent Anthony Field as their new head of recruitment on Thursday.
Alex McKinnon has also stepped into the newly created role of Pathways Recruitment Manager as the club looks to strengthen its recruitment structures.
Understood to have previously been offered around $700,000 per season during O'Sullivan's tenure, Best's reported contract proposal has since been revised to $4 million over four years.
The revised deal would be worth approximately $1 million per season, reflecting the importance of keeping the Australian representative at the club as Newcastle looks to build on its recent success.
However, Best is in no rush to make a decision, with family considerations and the opportunity to win a premiership among his priorities.
“Obviously, I'm a Newcastle junior, I love it there and have been there since I was a young kid, but I'm a father now, and I've got to do what's best for me,” Best said.
“I know November is around the corner, but I'll just put all talk on hold. I'll let all the media talk, all the contract stuff will sort itself out, but I'm in no rush.
“My family, making sure we're settled and happy [will be a priority] … and, obviously, I want to win games. Money isn't the be all and end all, it goes a long way, but I want to make sure I'm winning.
“I just came off a grand final loss and I want to chase that premiership. Walking away would be hard, I've been through the struggles for a long time, and to see where we've come now and what we're able to achieve is special.
Best also took the time to acknowledge his growth in the game ahead of his Kangaroos debut.
“There's actually a photo going around at the moment when I was in year six. The teacher asked me what I wanted to do, what I wanted to be and to write down your dream, and it was to play rugby league for Australia,” he said.
“As I got older, I kept working towards it. I hated school and put all my eggs into one basket, and that was rugby league. For the young kids coming through, I'll always tell them to dream big and aspire to whatever you want to do and whoever you want to be.”
Best will make his debut for Australia on Sunday night, marking another major milestone in his career as he prepares for a potentially significant period off the field.
While Best weighs up his future, his father-in-law has already made his preferred outcome known, with boxing legend Jeff Fenech openly backing a potential move to the Parramatta Eels.
Fenech admitted he would love to see Best join the Eels, while stressing that his primary concern was ensuring the centre secured his family's future.
“I would love Bradman to go to the Eels,” Fenech told The Daily Telegraph.
“They haven't offered me anything, but they want me to be an ambassador and I would love my granddaughter and son-in-law to live here closer to me.
“My poor wife drives five hours a day (to Newcastle) to go and see our grandchild.
“To be honest, I don't give a f*** who he plays for, I just want that club to set Bradman up for life.
“I will say this - I saw how Justin Holbrook (Newcastle coach) got the Knights together, he took families to dinner, he made it a very family orientated club.
“But at Parramatta, it's crazy what the club can offer their players and families.
“Parramatta is a club I love. I would give up all my world-title belts in boxing to play one NRL game at halfback for the Eels.
“If Parramatta want me to do something, I would do it straight away. I love the club, I love their culture and I love their fans.
“If Parra make him a massive offer, if I was managing Bradman, I'd say you have to look after yourself and family.”
With Parramatta potentially in the mix should they decide to pursue the centre, the Knights face a crucial period in their bid to retain their local junior.
Best's preference to remain at Newcastle is clear, but with rival clubs soon able to enter negotiations and his family considerations weighing heavily, the Knights will be hoping their revised offer and recent changes behind the scenes are enough to keep him in the Hunter.
