'Real tricky': Adam O'Brien reveals extent of Bradman Best's injury as Blues Origin hopes shatter

Knights coach Adam O'Brien has admitted Bradman Best's hopes of playing in the first two games of the Origin series are "not looking great" as he prepares for a stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Best suffered his latest injury blow just hours out from Newcastle's 28-6 defeat to the Eels on Friday after he was forced from the field during training.

O'Brien confirmed the 23-year-old was unable to attend the team's captain's run prior to the match, meaning NSW coach Laurie Daley will be without one of his centre contenders.

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"It's not looking great," O'Brien said in his press conference on Friday.

"I think it's in a real tricky spot, that's the problem. He seems to have strength in it way more than a low grade hamstring (injury would).

"From what I can gather from the medical team, where it is situated seems to be the problem. I don't really understand it."

Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton and Best were the NSW Blues' incumbent centres.

Best was phenomenal for the Blues in game three of last year's series, racking up 156 run metres, breaking through six tackles and scoring a try.

Among the contenders to partner Crichton in the centres in game one of this year's series are Latrell Mitchell, Zac Lomax, Tom Trbojevic and Campbell Graham.

Daley already has tough decisions to make regarding his pick to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves and his pick for fullback, and the 55-year-old is now facing another selection dilemma in his first year back at the helm after Best's setback.

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The Knights are scheduled to face the Panthers, Dragons, Sea Eagles and Roosters over the next month and Best is expected to miss all of those games.