Just the opposition actually. The boom young Knights centre is ready to make up for lost time.

Fresh from signing a lucrative upgraded and extended contract that ties him to the club until the end of 2024, Best says he feels in the best shape of his career and is ready to put a run of injuries behind him and explode out of the blocks when the season kicks off on Friday week against the Bulldogs at McDonald Jones Stadium.

And he already has eyes for a sky blue prize - a NSW Origin jumper.

"It's about staying healthy to start with and playing some good footy for the boys here first and foremost," he said. "But I've definitely got that sky blue jersey as a goal.

"It's a matter of getting out there and playing some good footy. I know myself I could be knocking on that door if I string some really good games together and if I stay healthy and fit, I think I could be a chance this season. I'm going to do whatever I can here to make sure I'm definitely in the picture when those games come around."

While he publicly brushed it off at the time, Best is well aware there was plenty of Origin talk surrounding him when he played so well at the start of last season until his injury curse struck.

With NSW forced to field two players, Jack Wighton and Clint Gutherson, out of position in the centres last season, Best is sure to attract the same hype again.

"Hopefully, I can come out firing and be knocking on the door again because it's something I really want to be involved in," he said.

"It's the pinnacle of rugby league and the best of the best and I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to experience that. But like I said, staying healthy and playing good footy for the boys here and the club is what it's all about first."

On his new contract which includes a deal with club sponsor McDonald Jones Homes, Best said he was never interested in waiting and looking at another club.

"My manager said to me I could wait and look at some other options in November but I just wanted to stay here," he said. "I love it here - the club, the boys - it made it an easy decision for me.

"The boys have taken me under their wing since I was young and the club has been real good to me and my mum and dad too so I couldn't see myself going anywhere else.

"With the injuries, it's special that the club has that trust and belief in me and I want to repay that by staying on the park and playing good, consistent footy."

IN THE NEWS:

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: