State of Origin 2024: One week, two different state colours for Bradman Best and teen brother Baxter
Baxter Best takes after his older brother Bradman in lots of ways. But despite the Knights centre finding himself back in the NSW fold, his little brother was wearing Maroon as a star of the Queensland schoolboys system last week.
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In a funny twist to a State of Origin tale, NSW centre Bradman Best and his little brother Baxter are divided along state lines.
One brother is preparing to wear Blue while the other proudly wore a Maroon jersey just a week ago.
Baxter, while born in NSW, is one of the rising talents of the Queensland schoolboys system after the family moved north in 2023, just in time for him to start year 8 at Ipswich State High.
Before that he was playing for Woy Woy, where he was regarded as one of the best kids of his age group.
Like his older brother, Baxter has long been touted as a future star.
And while he is understood to be eligible for NSW one day after playing all of his junior footy in the state until the age of 13, just last week he played for Queensland under-15s schoolboys in a 24-4 loss to NSW CHS in the ARSSL championship final.
The budding fullback was courted by three NRL clubs but is currently signed by the Broncos.
Baxter wears Maroon for now, but Bradman says he bleeds blue.
“My family moved to Queensland and he was playing in the under-15s Queensland schoolboys. He played there, I’m sure he’ll be going for me though, he’ll be going for the Blues,” he said on Monday.
“He was born in NSW, it was just the family moved there so he’s a Blue at heart.”
It makes for a quirky week in the Best household, with Bradman called in to replace Latrell Mitchell at centre for the decider at Suncorp Stadium.
It’s his second game for the Blues after a blinding two-try performance in his debut in game three last year.
“I like (being the underdog),” he said.
“For myself, I don’t need to listen to all the media or anyone else. It’s up to the boys and myself and I can’t wait to get out there and play with the boys.”
The 22-year-old has been in supreme form for the Knights with seven tries, 161 metres per game, 47 tacklebreaks and 10 line-breaks in 14 games so far this season.
He’ll face off against teammates Dane Gagai and Kalyn Ponga, who have also been called up for the decider.
“It’s going to be special. He’s the old bull and I’m the young bull, it’s going to be a good battle, he said of Gagai.
“He’s one of the best centres. Obviously I train against him as well. It’s going to be good.
“It’s just X factor (for Ponga), the talent he brings and the toughness he brings.
“This is as big as it gets, it’s exciting, and I can’t wait for the challenge.”
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Originally published as State of Origin 2024: One week, two different state colours for Bradman Best and teen brother Baxter
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