Bradman Best to debut for Australia against Fiji after childhood dream picture resurfaces

Bradman Best will make his Australian debut for the Kangaroos against Fiji in Brisbane on Sunday. A 2013 photo taken by Tanya Doorn in Woy Woy shows the 25‑year‑old holding a chalkboard that reads “Play Rugby League for Australia”. Best’s year‑6 teacher at St John the Baptist school recalled the moment, saying the young boy already understood the power of a dream. Doorn added she could see his potential early, noting his humility and quiet confidence. Best began his junior career with the Woy Woy Roosters before being signed by the Newcastle Knights and breaking into the NRL in 2019. He also excelled as a surf nipper at Umina Surf Club. In a recent interview he admitted he “hated school” and put all his eggs in the rugby league basket. Year‑2 teacher Clare Gallagher remembered his speed, once saying he could have been an Olympic runner. On the field, Best’s talent has been evident, and he is now one of four debutants named for the Fiji clash. The Kangaroos will face Fiji on Sunday night in Brisbane. Recent NRL fixtures this month saw the Rabbitohs lose 10‑20 to the Knights, the Warriors fall 16‑26 to the Dolphins, the Sharks beat the Cowboys 26‑16, the Panthers beat the Roosters 19‑12, the Roosters dominate the Sharks 46‑10, the Warriors lose 10‑12 to the Knights, the Dolphins drop 20‑36 to the Roosters, the Panthers lose 14‑22 to the Knights, and the Roosters edge the Knights 19‑18. ## Context Bradman Best’s rise from a small coastal town to the national side illustrates how early encouragement and personal drive can turn childhood dreams into professional sport.