JUST TOUCH DOWN: Newcastle Knights National Rugby League (NRL) Centre Bradman Best whom involved in media, including launching his own podcast, Sent a Shocking message to Newcastle Knights head coach, Justin Holbrook and the Entire National Rugby League (NRL) with a major Announcement concerning his………

UST TOUCH DOWN: Bradman Best Sends Shockwaves Through the NRL With Major Announcement

Newcastle has been sent into a frenzy after star Newcastle Knights NRL centre Bradman Best — who has recently expanded his presence in the media world with the launch of his own podcast — delivered a stunning and unexpected message to head coach Justin Holbrook, teammates, and the entire National Rugby League (NRL) community.

The announcement, which Best revealed during a surprise live recording of his podcast Best in Session, left fans buzzing, analysts scrambling, and even his own club momentarily speechless.

A Podcast Episode No One Saw Coming

What was expected to be a light-hearted discussion about preseason training, club culture, and his growing media ventures quickly transformed into one of the most talked-about moments of the NRL off-season.

Midway through the episode, Bradman Best paused, looked directly into the camera, and said:

“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. I’ve had conversations with people close to me, conversations with myself, and some hard looks at where I’m heading. And today… I’m ready to share something big.”

The suspense was immediate. Fans who tuned in live flooded the chat with questions as Best prepared to drop the bombshell.

Holbrook and the Team Left Stunned

Sources close to the club suggest that even head coach Justin Holbrook wasn’t briefed on the contents of the announcement. Staff members and players reportedly began messaging each other moments after Best’s dramatic pause, wondering whether he was about to announce a retirement, transfer, or a shocking career change.

Best, however, had other plans.

The Major Announcement

After a tense buildup, Bradman Best revealed:

“I’m committing the next phase of my career to something bigger — not just footy, not just media. I’m launching a full-scale youth development initiative right here in Newcastle. And I’m dedicating a significant part of my time and energy this season to making it real.”

He elaborated that the initiative will focus on:

• Junior player mentorship

• Mental health support for young athletes

• Media training for rising rugby prospects

• Community engagement programs

Best emphasized that this move does not mean he is leaving the Knights or stepping back from the NRL, but rather expanding his mission beyond the field.

Why the Announcement Shook the League

The NRL has seen players start podcasts, community programs, and business ventures — but few have integrated them so boldly into their professional identity, especially at a time when they are still at the peak of their playing career.

Bradman Best’s decision signals:

• A growing trend of players building brands beyond rugby

• A shift in how NRL stars see their roles in the community

• A leadership step that may influence upcoming CBA negotiations surrounding off-field commitments and player welfare

Reaction From the Knights

Although surprised, head coach Justin Holbrook later responded with full support:

“Bradman’s always been a powerful presence on and off the field. If he wants to invest his time into something that builds the future of our sport and our city, we’re behind him 100%.”

Teammates reportedly applauded him privately, with several expressing interest in getting involved.

A New Era for Bradman Best

With this announcement, Bradman Best has positioned himself as more than just one of the NRL’s most explosive centres — he’s becoming a voice, a mentor, and a builder of the next generation.

Fans are already calling it one of the boldest off-season moves of the year.

And if this is what Bradman Best is capable of off the field, the Knights — and the entire NRL — may be witnessing the rise of a new kind of superstar.