NSW centre Bradman Best has declared his desire to create his own State of Origin legacy after being called in to replace Latrell Mitchell for next week's decider.
Mitchell starred in the Blues' Game Two win, his first since 2021, however he will miss the Suncorp Stadium clash after picking up a foot injury in South Sydney's win over the Eels on Thursday night.
Best recognises he has big shoes to fill but has vowed to forge his own path as he looks to help NSW claim their first State of Origin series victory since 2021.
"This is as big as it gets, it's exciting, and I can't wait for the challenge," Best said.
"I've just got to come in and play my part for the team, I don't have to be Trell, I've just got to be me. Obviously Trell's a great player but unfortunately he's out. I've got a job to do now."
Best's inclusion comes after an injury scare of his own, having pulled up with a sore hamstring after Newcastle's win over Canberra on Sunday.
The centre was sent for precautionary scans but has been cleared of injury and declared he is fit to play next Wednesday night.
Bradman beast-mode
"I just pulled up a bit tight from yesterday's game," Best said. "I flagged it with our physios and they obviously reported it to the Blues physios here. We're all good."
Best was in contention for selection for Game One of the series before he suffered a hamstring injury in a Round 11 win over the Titans.
The injury saw him miss two game and led many to believe his Origin hopes had been dashed.
Best, however, said he had been in touch with NSW coach Michael Maguire prior to the series and always held hope he would feature this year.
Match: Maroons v Blues
Game 3 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
"We'd kept in contact," Best said. "Madge had come down and met me a few times.
"We'd had a few conversations, so it was good. We were talking. He's been unreal."
The 22-year-old made his State of Origin debut in Game Three of last year's series after being selected to replace Tom Trbojevic.
The decision was questioned by many, however Best delivered on the big stage, scoring two tries as NSW prevented a whitewash with a 24-10 victory.
The centre played without the weight of expectations on his shoulder on that occasion and it's the same mindset he is looking to harness as he prepares to line up opposite his Newcastle teammate Dane Gagai next Wednesday night.
Gagai has received a Queensland recall after injuries hit Billy Slater's side, with Murray Taulagi's hamstring injury triggering a backline reshuffle. Valentine Holmes has moved from centre to the wing, with Gagai to line up at centre in his first Origin clash since the 2022 decider.
Best is looking forward to the one-on-one battle and is eager to finish on top of his close friend.
"It's going to be special," Gagai said. "He's the old bull and I'm the young bull, it's going to be a good battle.
"He's one of the best centres [in the game]. Obviously I train against him as well so it's going to be good."
