The Newcastle Knights finals chances have taken a massive hit Thursday, with the announcement that star centre Bradman Best would miss their opening game against the North Queensland Cowboys.
After playing a key role in their must-win clash against the Dolphins in round 27, Best has pulled up with an injury in the lead up to the first round of the 2024 finals.
In concerning signs for Newcastle, the injury Best has suffered is one he has dealt with repeatedly during his career, and could spell trouble for their longer term hopes at a title.
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Bradman Best injury update: Centre to miss finals clash against Cowboys
Bradman Best has reportedly been ruled out of the Knights' Saturday night game against the Cowboys, after pulling up with a hamstring issue during training.
Best had been dealing with these issues for most of the season, with this hamstring being the same one that kept him out of State of Origin I.
The move appears to be preventative from the Knights, who elected not to risk further aggravation in their win-or-go-home match-up, but the club believes he should be fit for the next round should they survive.
Worryingly, this is Best's fifth ham-string issue in the 2024 season alone, having only played 17 of Newcastle's games this season, and having to leave mid-game in a number of them due to these injury concerns.
Knights record without Bradman Best
The Knights have struggled this season without Best - they finished the season with a 12-12 record, but just 2-5 in games Best didn't play.
