NSW Blues suffer State of Origin blow as Knights confirm Bradman Best calf injury
The NSW Blues have suffered a major injury blow as Newcastle Knights centre Bradman Best has been ruled out of Magic Round and State of Origin I.
Best suffered a calf injury during a mid-week training session, and Newcastle Knights club officials subsequently withdrew him from their Magic Round fixture with the Gold Coast Titans this weekend.
Club medical staff announced that the 24-year-old is set to miss approximately three matches due to his injury, with his return to play to be determined by his response to rehabilitation.
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Bradman Best will miss State of Origin I due to a hamstring injury. Getty
With Origin selection imminent, this injury announcement means that the 24-year-old will be unavailable for selection for the opener.
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"Best will commence a structured rehabilitation program immediately, under the guidance of the club's medical and high performance teams," the Newcastle Knights said in a statement.