Boom teenager Bradman Best has been ruled out of Sunday's clash against Wests Tigers at McDonald Jones Stadium with an elbow injury in a huge blow to the Knights.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Newcastle Herald understands the dynamic 19-year-old centre damaged a ligament in his elbow at training on Thursday and did not take part in the club's captain's run today.
Centre Gehamat Shibasaki, who was 18th man against the Warriors last weekend in Gosford, is now considered a certain starter for the Tigers game.
Best's latest setback continues his cursed run with injury over the past couple of seasons.
He played just 11 games last season and was forced to have three surgeries during the year.
It's unclear at this stage how long he will be sidelined but it's likely to be for an extended period.
READ MORE: David Klemmer's exclusive column
Best's withdrawal is a huge blow to the Knights, who are chasing their third consecutive win to start the season against the winless Tigers.
The young centre turned in a match-winning performance in his side's 20-16 win over the Warriors and his withdraw strips the Knights of some real attacking firepower out wide.
He threw the final pass for two Hymel Hunt tries including the match-clincher in the final minutes in Gosford.
"We don't win that game without Bradman," former Knights Test centre Matt Gidley said.
"He can do things I could never do."
Best joins a long list of top 30 players who are sidelined with injuries including Kalyn Ponga, Blake Green, Edrick Lee, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Phoenix Crossland [also suspended], Bailey Hodgson and Jirah Momoisea.
IN THE NEWS:
- Former couple plead not guilty to murder over Danielle's brutal death
- Fraudster renting home for $3400 a week
- PODCAST: Wayne Pearce on son Mitchell's 300th NRL game
- Singleton, Bulga peaks pass as Maitland prepares for Hunter river to rise
- Porter and Reynolds to remain in cabinet
- New coronavirus case emerges in Brisbane
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:
- Bookmark: newcastleherald.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News