‘I reckon he shut a few up’: Bradman Best silences critics as Knights coach makes big Kalyn Ponga prediction

Knights coach Adam O’Brien says strike centre Bradman Best was motivated by critics who questioned whether he deserved to make his State of Origin debut, and his performance in the game 3 win “shut a few up”.

The young gun was one of the best stories to come out the Blues’ shock 24-10 win over the Maroons that helped NSW avoid the first series clean sweep since 2010,

He scored two tries in the win playing outside Cody Walker, who was named man of the match, and completely dominated his battle with rep star Valentine Holmes, who had his worst game in a Queensland jersey.

“The flak that ‘Braddy’ copped earlier in the week, I reckon he shut a few up,” O’Brien said.

“I don’t think, I know (the criticism motivated him). That’s Braddy to a tee. As soon as it became a bit personal, which it did, that’s when he’s at his best.”

Best and Knights teammate Jacob Saifiti returned to Newcastle on Thursday and are expected to face the Tigers in a rare Friday night game at home in prime time.

“Bradman is in a bit of a purple patch at the moment with five tries in two weeks of footy,” O’Brien said, hinting the pair will be cleared to play.

“They tell me that it’s easier to back up from Origin after two days as opposed to four days. We don’t have to make a decision right now, but we’ll make a really educated one.”

Best, 21, has enjoyed his finest season in first grade with eight tries from 16 appearances this year.

Injuries have often brought him unstuck in the past, but a full pre-season has him living up to his potential a year after he was dropped for missing the team bus.

“I hate going back to the bus thing, but it was a chance for him to learn, and that’s what he did,” his coach said.

“He didn’t only learn, he’s also gotten better.

“His summer was outstanding, and I think he’s a really good example to everyone that young blokes will make silly errors, but provided they have the right mindset to own the error, then you can get better from it.

“He’s reaping the rewards from a very strong summer.”

Best could one day take on Knights captain Kalyn Ponga in the Origin arena, but for now he’ll have to settle with running out alongside the superstar fullback who will play his 100th game for the club on Friday night.

Ponga has been in stunning form recently, but his coach is confident that he still has plenty more up his sleeve.

“I don’t believe he’s reached his ceiling,” O’Brien said.

“He’s played some high-quality footy, especially of late, but I just think that guys like him will continually strive for improvement in their game. I don’t think he’s anywhere near his ceiling.”