Bradman says he'll be in best condition for Origin III

Bradman Best is nursing a hamstring injury in a worry for the Blues ahead of State of Origin III. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)

Bradman Best insists he will be fit for the State of Origin decider despite requiring scans on a sore hamstring during the first day of NSW camp.

Recalled for next Wednesday's Origin III in place of the injured Latrell Mitchell, Best reported hamstring tightness to Newcastle medical staff after Sunday's away defeat of Canberra.

"Just at the end of the game it got tight, it was probably because of the travel and the coldness," said the in-form left centre.

Knights officials have since informed the Blues, who sent Best for scans on Monday and will monitor his progress ahead of game three at Suncorp Stadium.

Michael Maguire has included Canterbury's Matt Burton in his extended squad as cover but Best holds no fears over his ability to play in the winner-take-all decider.

"The physios will monitor me and it'll be all good," he said.

"Injuries are a part of the game, as footy players it comes with it and you sort of get your head around it. I'll make sure I get my body right and be all good to go."

Matt Burton
Matt Burton has been included in the Blues extended squad as possible cover for Bradman Best.

Best had maintained close contact with first-year Blues coach Maguire ahead of the series opener but was ruled out of contention with a previous hamstring issue.

After recovering, he was viewed as an obvious choice to replace Mitchell, offering similar power with his running game and expertise on the left edge.

"Bradman will bring what Bradman brings," Maguire said.

"Especially his development in the past 12 months, and sitting with Bradman, how he sees his game and his professionalism.

"He is a real pro about what he does. I talk to the staff up there and they say how diligent he is about how he gets everything right."

Best is set to line up against Newcastle teammate Dane Gagai, recalled into Queensland's backline to cover for injuries to Xavier Coates and Murray Taulagi.

It will mark the pair's first clash at Origin level, with Maroons veteran Gagai overlooked for selection in Best's only NSW appearance to date - the third match of the 2023 series.

"It's going to be special," Best said.

"He's one of the best centres. Obviously I train against him as well. 

"He's the old bull and I'm the young bull, it's going to be a good battle."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store