Buderus says Best has grown into Origin role

Woy Woy Roosters junior Bradman Best wants nothing more than to make his family and footy clubs proud when he runs out onto Sydney’s Accor Stadium next Wednesday for Origin III.

“I was always a Newcastle junior coming through the ranks – Harold Matthews (Under 17s), SG Ball (Under 19s), Jersey Flegg (Under21s)… right through,” Best told nswrl.com.au.

“I got my first junior NSW rep jumper in the Under 16s and Freddy (Westpac NSW Blues mentor Brad Fittler) was my coach then too.

“It’s pretty special that he’s given me this opportunity now in the seniors – it’s really special actually.

“When I first got the phone call from Freddy it was such a good feeling of excitement and joy. I was so keen, so eager, to get into camp.

“I FaceTimed my mum and she was with my brother and sister; Dad was at work so I rang him and then rang my other sister as well. I wanted them all to know first as they’re so important to me.”

Someone who has seen Best’s dedication and passion up close is Newcastle Knights legend, True Blue and Australian hooker, Danny Buderus.

He has watched Best’s football mature from since he was a powerfully-built junior player.

“When kids come through big and strong you’ve got to have the ability to evolve your game; you just can’t keep running over the top of people,” Buderus said.

“You need to do all the other things like working out combinations, eccentricities of the game, different defensive methods, that kind of thing to keep your progression going.

“That’s what the exciting thing is about Bradman. He’s always been great in attack but now he’s really enjoying the defensive side of the game too.”

Best’s Origin debut – alongside South Sydney’s Keaon Koloamatangi, a Mascot Jets junior – sends powerful messages to young players.

“That’s the big thing – the kids back in the Central Coast and from Newcastle, from Bradman’s local club and all the way through the grades – now say, ‘That could be me one day’,” Buderus said.

“That’s what Origin does – it’s where you’re from and who you represent.

“It’s a big thing for Bradman because he’s very passionate about his family and where he’s from.”