The Newcastle Knights are riding high in 2026 but, so too, is the club’s worrying injury toll, with Bradman Best the latest to join the list.
With Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown already missing, the NSW centre left the field in the first half of the side’s clash with the Canberra Raiders at McDonald Jones Stadium on Easter Sunday.
Despite that setback, Newcastle still prevailed 32-12 on the much-loved Voice for Mining Family Day in front of a sell-out crowd.
But, the news wasn’t good for Best on Monday 6 April.
Following scans, he was diagnosed with a moderate grade groin strain.
He’s expected to spend up to four weeks on the sidelines as he completes his rehabilitation.
His injury, however, opened the door for 20-year-old Wilson De Courcey to make his NRL debut.
“(Best) sort of struggled through the first half,” Knights coach Justin Holbrook said.
“We’ve got to give him a wrap for making it to the break.
“I think he wasn’t good early on, but he got through to half-time… and that was big for us.
“And, then obviously, we got to debut Wilson in the second half.
“I’m so thrilled for him, he’s a good young player.
“However, it’s not great that he (Bradman) had to come off.”
De Courcey, Asu Kepaoa and Kyle McCarthy are in line to replace Best.
Although now second on the ladder, Holbrook wasn’t getting too carried away with the victory.
“It was a great win for us in our second home game,” he said.
“We didn’t perform well in our first one a few weeks ago.
“So, it was great to get a good win against a dangerous footy side in the Raiders.
“I obviously want to thank so many players – Jacob Saifiti, and then the way Friz (Tyson Frizell) came on and sort of turned the game in our favour.
“I reckon, single-handedly, to be honest, (but) so many good performers in that win.”
Meanwhile, Ponga and Brown remain on track with their respective rehab programs.
The Knights next tackle the Wests Tigers at the Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Sunday 12 April from 4.05pm.
For more sports stories:
- Knights clean sweep as junior pathways surge into finals
- Jets give City an almighty scare in final ALW clash
- Demand for City of Newcastle sportsgrounds on the rise
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