The Parramatta Eels are set to launch a major raid for Bradman Best is he hasn't signed a new deal by the time November 1 rolls around.
Best's future has been under the microscope in recent weeks, with the revelation he is unlikely to sign on with the Knights before November 1.
It's not all panic stations for the Hunter-based outfit, given Best made the same decision last time he was off-contract - to test his value after the November deadline only to re-sign with the Knights.
But there is a feeling of urgency this time for the Knights, with the upcoming free agency period looming as the biggest in the game's history due to an increasing salary cap and the arrival of the PNG Chiefs who have tax-free money to play with.
The Chiefs are unlikely to chase anymore big name outside backs given their signing list already consists of Alex Johnston, Brian To'o, Zac Lomax and Joseph Manu, but other clubs will have cash free to raid the departing lists of other teams.
The Eels are one of those sides, with coach Jason Ryles and his recruitment staff still looking to find a winning formula after a dismal 2026 campaign.
Best is one player they have already been linked to, and journalist Michael Carayannis told Fox Sports' NRL 360 that he will be their number one target from November 1.
“I think he's their number one target,” Carayannis said on the show.
“If he gets to November 1, I think you'll find Parramatta will make a significant play for Bradman Best and that's the guy they've earmarked to be their long-term centre. There are a lot of centres on the open market and if Best gets to November 1 he is Parramatta's number one priority.”
The Eels are losing plenty in their outside backs at the end of 2026, with Sean Russell and Apa Twidle both heading to the Perth Bears, while Josh Addo-Carr's future is uncertain after a recent off-field alleged incident.
Brian Kelly, Araz Nanva, Jordan Samrani and Bailey Simonsson all remain off-contract at the end of 2027 among a much larger total list at the Eels, so there is plenty of scope for Ryles to shake his squad up.
Given the Knights have also already been linked to Jack Bostock, it's clear there are real fears in the Hunter they will be unable to retain Best, who recently admitted he was in no rush to sign a new deal.
"Obviously there's a fair bit of talk going on with that November 1 around the corner," Best said to 9NEWS a fortnight ago.
"I'm not worried. For me, I'm in no rush. I just wanna play good footy here first and do something special with the lads here."
