Newcastle Knights star Bradman Best is approaching the festive season with a fresh perspective, balancing the joys of new fatherhood with a determined focus to cement his place on the field for both club and country in the coming year.
A New Chapter On and Off the Field
The 24-year-old centre and his partner, Kayla Fenech, welcomed their daughter, Kaliyah Rose, into the world on December 4, marking a profound shift in Best's life. With a legendary boxer for a grandfather in Jeff Fenech and an NRL player for a father, the infant already boasts a formidable sporting pedigree.
"Doesn't matter if it's footy boots or boxing gloves, whatever she chooses to do, I'm just tickled pink and love being a dad," Best told the Newcastle Herald. "Very excited for Kayla and there's going to be a lot of love around the family this Christmas. One of the best experiences of my life."
Overcoming Injury for a Crucial 2026 Campaign
While family comes first this holiday, Best's professional ambitions are crystal clear. His primary objective for 2026 is to maintain his fitness and secure a consistent spot in the Knights' lineup, a challenge that has eluded him throughout much of his career.
Across his 105-game NRL career since debuting in 2019, Best has only once played more than 20 matches in a single season—25 appearances in 2023. Hamstring, ankle, and knee issues have limited him to an average of just 17 games per campaign between 2020 and 2025.
"I'm really confident that I know my body now," Best stated. "I've worked really hard and I've worked out how to get my body in the right frame. I know I need to look after it and I'm very excited about next year."
Sky Blues and Kangaroos Jerseys in Sight
Best's ambitions extend beyond club football. He recently returned from an Ashes tour with the Australian Kangaroos squad, an experience he describes as "outstanding" for learning from seasoned professionals. Although he didn't earn his Test debut, it has fuelled his desire to pull on the green and gold jersey.
A major incentive awaits at the end of the 2026 NRL season: a Rugby League World Cup on home soil, with four matches scheduled for Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium.
"It's also given me a real hunger to come back here, do well at the Knights, aim for a Sky Blues jersey and if that comes off then maybe an Australian jersey at the end of the year," Best explained. "But it all comes off the back of doing well at the Knights."
Building Under Holbrook for Vegas Opener
Best will enjoy a short break before the Knights' pre-season resumes in earnest on January 5, with all eyes on a season-opening clash in Las Vegas on March 1. He expressed enthusiasm about working under new coach Justin Holbrook and alongside high-profile recruit Dylan Brown.
"Excited to be back under Justin Holbrook and looking forward to getting all of those connections," Best said. "Really upbeat about what we've got, what we're trying to do next year and building those foundations."
The Knights concluded their 2025 community tour, 'Knights on Tour', with an open session in Coffs Harbour, an initiative Best praised for its strong community engagement. The club, which finished with the wooden spoon in 2025, has pre-season trials scheduled against the Dragons (February 7) and Bulldogs (February 14).
