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Blockbusting Knight Bradman Best is only days away from signing one of the richest deals ever by a centre in the NRL.
The 22-year-old powerhouse comes off contract at the end of this season and has been inundated with offers from several rival clubs.
But Best has declared he is committed to the Knights and is set to put pen to paper on a three-year deal worth around $700,000 per season.
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While it’s big money, Best could have made more elsewhere – the Tigers offered him around $800,000 a year.
The signing will be a massive boost for the Knights leading into the new season.
Best is rated among the most damaging centres in the game and his combination with the brilliant Kalyn Ponga was a highlight of the club’s superb nine-match winning streak leading into last year’s final series.
Big, strong and mobile, he is good as any centre in the game and is set for a long career at the top.
He broke through into representative football last season, scoring two tries on debut for NSW as they won the final game of the Origin series against Queensland.
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GOULD WINS FIGHT FOR YOUNG STAR
The Bulldogs have won a cross-code battle for one of the best all-round youngsters in the country.
Mitch Woods, a classy 17-year-old halfback, was also in the Sydney Swans AFL Academy and held in high regard in rugby union circles.
But he opted to sign with the Bulldogs, agreeing to terms this week.
The Bulldogs think so highly of the young playmaker that they put him on a four-year deal to keep the rival codes and other NRL clubs at bay.
“Mitchell could have chosen any number of sporting codes to pursue a professional career,” Bulldogs football boss Phil Gould said.
“Our game is lucky Mitchell has chosen rugby league … the Bulldogs are both honoured and excited that Mitchell has chosen our club.”
“He is obviously still young, and has a long way to go, we certainly won’t be rushing him but we won’t be holding him back either.
“I am extremely excited about his prospects.”
FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Rugby league will take another step onto the global stage with a special legends match in the Thai holiday paradise of Pattaya Beach this weekend.
A team of former NRL stars will take on a Super League selection in a charity match that is certain to attract plenty of tourists from both sides of the globe.
The Aussies will be coached by former grand final coach Brian Smith and captained by Dragons great Matt Cooper.
Among the Aussie contingent are Richard Swain, Jason Smith, Reni Maitua and possibly Willie Mason.
Former star halfback Andy Gregory will coach the Brits, with Lions legend Keith Senior to captain the team.
All funds raised for the game on January 14 will go to the Father Ray Foundation, an orphanage near Pattaya.
“We are thrilled to bring the excitement of former Australian NRL and English Super League players to Pattaya, especially for such a good cause,” said Peter Thompson, the event organiser.
GIVING BACK
Popular Newtown forward Billy Magoulias has broken new ground by starting his own rugby league academy.
Magoulias already has over 150 youngsters enrolled in his program in southern Sydney, western Sydney and the Illawarra.
“I want to put back into the game and pass on the knowledge I have gained from great coaches throughout my own career,” Magoulias told Wide World of Sports.
“I have a passion for coaching and want to help players navigate their way to the top.
“We are also planning to expand to the Central Coast in 2024.”
The Academy is open to players from ages eight to 18.
