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‘Bradman Best gave us a bit of a bath’: Knights centre finally gives Michael Maguire some good news

Adrian Proszenko and Chris Nicholson
Updated ,first published
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View from the couch at full-time
Full-time - Knights win 20-14
Tigers’ try
Knights’ try
View from the couch with 20 minutes to go
Tigers’ try
Knights’ try
View from the couch at half-time

‘Bradman Best gave us a bit of a bath’: Knights centre gives Michael Maguire some good news

By Adrian Proszenko

After the carnage that has been the last few days, Michael Maguire has been in desperate need of some good news.

On a rainy afternoon at Tamworth’s Scully Park, it came in the form of Bradman Best. The Newcastle centre proved the difference in a tight affair, leading his side to a 20-14 win against Wests Tigers.

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Canterbury captain Stephen Crichton is a near-certain selection, although the race for the other NSW centre spot is wide open after Tom Trbojevic succumbed to yet another hamstring injury on Thursday night.

There is no shortage of candidates: Matt Burton, Jesse Ramien, Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton, Izack Tago, Kotoni Staggs and Joseph Suaalii all have claims for a call-up.

View from the couch at full-time

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Full-time - Knights win 20-14

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The 12-man Knights hold on for a hard-fought victory. Bradman Best was the star.

Best ran for 235 metres, made three line breaks and had 11 tackle busts to go with his try.

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That’s three straight wins for the Knights and six straight losses for the Tigers.

The Tigers lost centre Starford To’a to a hamstring injury on 15 minutes, and forward John Bateman didn’t return after half-time due to a pectoral problem.

Knights playmaker Tyson Gamble suffered a foot injury late in the first half and didn’t return. He was spotted on the sidelines after the break in a moon boot and on crutches.

Bradman Best scored a try and repeatedly ripped through the Tigers defence.Getty
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Tigers’ try

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And the Tigers set up a grand stand finish with a try to Brent Naden in the corner. There’s just over a minute to go. Knights lead 20-14.

Daniel Saifiti sent to the sin bin

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Daniel Saifiti sent to the sin bin for a high shot on Jake Simpkin. Can the Tigers take advantage with just under seven minutes left?

Also the Knights are with without David Armstrong who’s gone off for a HIA. Dane Gagai goes to fullback.

Knights’ try

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Bradman Best is having himself a day - and now a try to cap it off. Best has looked a real threat every time he’s touched the ball. This time some nice footwork and a few strong fends put him over to extend the Knights’ lead. It’s been a horror weekend for Michael Maguire with injuries to some key Blues players but Best has surely brightened things for him. Knights lead 20-10.

Bradman Best has terrorised the Tigers’ defence in Tamworth.Getty
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View from the couch with 20 minutes to go

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Tigers’ try

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This time the Tigers make it count. Isaiah Papali’i barges over carrying three defenders with him. Jayden Sullivan misses the conversion. Knights lead 14-10.

Tigers go so close

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Now it’s the Tigers who go the length of the field. Bula jumps highest to take a Tigers’ line dropout and then puts on the afterburners with Naden taken down just metres out from the Knights’ line. The Tigers go over under the posts but it’s ruled held up.

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Knights’ try

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A length off the field try for the Knights. Greg Marzhew picks up a Tigers kick in his own in-goal, passes it to Bradman Best who goes around the outside of Charlie Staines and takes off down field. One-on-one with Jahream Bula, Best offloads to David Armstrong who goes around under the posts. Knights lead 14-6.

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