Coach Adam O’Brien removed Best from the Knights’ game during Magic Round before halftime to prevent further damage to his hamstring. However, the damage had already been done.
According to News Corp and the Newcastle Herald, Best has a Grade 2 hamstring strain that will require at least four weeks of rest. He will miss Game 1 and is unlikely to play Game 2 if New South Wales Blues coach Michael Maguire recalls him.
According to the Newcastle Herald, Knight football director Peter Parr stated that Bradman is disappointed but accepts the situation as is.
“He understands that injuries are part of game.
“The most important thing for him now is to focus on his recuperation and return to full fitness.
“Hopefully he can recover in time to put himself in the mix for Origin 2.”
This is a catastrophic setback for the Blues. Best was as good as a walk-on starter for the team after making his Origin debut in Game 3 last year, especially considering previous injuries, but he will now miss out.
Maguire now has competition from Stephen Crichton and Jesse Ramien for center positions, while Matt Burton and Latrell Mitchell may also be considered.
Best will join injured fullback Kalyn Ponga on the sidelines, further limiting the Hunter-based side’s hopes this season.
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