Newcastle Knights star Bradman Best has entered a thrilling new chapter off the field, celebrating the birth of his first child with partner Kayla Fenech. The couple's daughter, Kaliyah Rose Best, decided to make her entrance into the world ahead of schedule, bringing immense joy to the family.
An Early Arrival and Social Media Reveal
Kaliyah Rose Best was born on December 4, although her proud parents waited over a week before introducing her to the world via social media. Kayla Fenech, 29, shared the first gorgeous pictures of their newborn on Instagram, captioning the post, "Kaliyah Rose Best 4.12.25. We love you baby girl."
The following day, she posted additional photos that revealed the infant already sports a splendid head of dark hair. "Love my little family," Kayla wrote, expressing the couple's happiness. Best, 24, a key centre for the Knights, and Fenech, the daughter of Australian boxing icon Jeff Fenech, had been expecting their baby next month.
Celebrations from the NRL Community and Family
The happy news was swiftly celebrated by a host of National Rugby League identities. Best's Newcastle teammates Kalyn Ponga and Tyson Gamble sent their congratulations, as did Penrith Panthers stars Nathan Cleary and Brian To'o. Cronulla Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes, South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Tallis Duncan, and Parramatta Eels speedster Josh Addo-Carr were among other big names to offer well-wishes.
NRLW star Millie Elliott also joined in, commenting, "Little Kaliyah... best ever... so happy for you fam." The couple's family members flooded the posts with love. Aunts and uncles from both the Best and Fenech sides expressed their excitement and adoration for the new addition, welcoming baby Kaliyah to their "clan" and declaring themselves "so blessed."
Jeff Fenech's Grandfather Journey
The birth makes boxing legend Jeff Fenech a grandfather, a role he arrives at after initially opposing his daughter's relationship with an NRL player. The former champion has previously admitted he "always warned my girls about going out with league players." When Kayla first told him about Best, Fenech said he "went off the deep end" and gave her "a roasting."
Kayla persisted, assuring her father that Best was "a lovely guy." The Knights centre himself told Kayla, "I'll prove your dad wrong," a promise the couple feels he has now fulfilled through his dedication and character.
Best's Career and Knights' Turbulent Season
On the field, Bradman Best is a established talent, having played over 100 games for the Newcastle Knights since his debut in 2019. He has also earned representative honours, playing for the New South Wales Blues in both the 2023 and 2024 State of Origin series.
The 2025 NRL season, however, was a disaster for the Knights. The club finished in last place, recording the worst attacking record in the competition. The season concluded with a humiliating 66-point concession in their final game, which led to coach Adam O'Brien being dismissed two games prior to the season's end.
Newcastle has since turned to former Titans coach Justin Holbrook to take over the reins, hoping he can steer the team, and its star centre Bradman Best, back to success in the coming years.
