The Indigenous hero inspiring Best's Kangaroos debut
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Bradman Best is out to emulate his childhood hero Greg Inglis' feats in the green and gold jumper as he prepares to fulfil his lifelong dream of representing the Kangaroos.
The centre is one of four debutants in Australia's starting side for Sunday's clash with Fiji at Suncorp Stadium.
Hooker Blayke Brailey, David Fifita and Sam Walker will also line up as the Kangaroos look to secure their place in the IRL Rugby League World Cup semi-finals.
Inside camp: Bradman Best
Best has had his eye on this moment from the day he first picked up a Steeden and is determined to put on a show in the green and gold jumper.
"It means everything to me," Best told reporters in Brisbane. "There's a photo of me going around at the moment when I was in year six and a teacher asked what you wanted to do and to write down your dream.
"[For me] it was to play for Australia. Ever since I was a little kid I've dreamt of this, it's special and surreal.
"As a young kid I wrote it down, that's what I wanted to do, but as I got older I kept working towards it. I hated school so I put all my eggs into one basket and that was rugby league.
"For the young kids coming through, I'm always telling them to dream big. Aspire to be whatever you want to be and go out and chase it."
Match: Australia v Fiji
Round 2 -
home Team
Australia
2nd Position
away Team
Fiji
1st Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has rotated his squad for Sunday's match after a bruising win over New Zealand last week.
James Tedesco replaces Reece Walsh at fullback, while prop Lindsay Smith comes into the forward pack and Cam Murray starts at lock.
In making his Test debut. Best follows in the footsteps of childhood hero Greg Inglis.
THAT Gasnier try from the Centenary Test
The NRL Hall of Famer represented the Kangaroos on 39 occasions and produced one of the greatest moments in an Australian jumper when he leapt through the air to set up Mark Gasnier's famous try at the SCG in 2008.
A physical ball carrier with the ability to outmuscle opposition defenders, Best has modelled his game on his fellow Indigenous star and is out to replicate Inglis' feats in the green and gold.
"I just loved how powerful he was," Best said. "How strong, athletic and fast he was, he could do it all. Growing up, I loved watching GI.
"In the footy world, [my hero] was Greg Inglis, but at that young age it was also my dad.
"He was my hero, he played rugby league and I just wanted to be like him. At that age, I looked up to him and he shaped me into the man I am today."
Sunday's clash will provide a new experience for Best, who has revelled in silencing a rabid Queensland crowd at Suncorp Stadium during the State of Origin series.
The centre has scored two tries for the Blues in two victories from two appearances at the venue.
An instant Origin classic
This week, however, he will receive the adulation of the home fans as he looks to follow in the footsteps of a Maroons legend in starring for the Kangaroos.
"I love playing at Suncorp," Best said. "It's a great stadium with plenty of history and I like to put myself in those positions.
"Once I'm there, I want to do my best for the team and put my best foot forward. I enjoy the challenge and can't wait for Sunday night."
Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Don't miss your chance to watch the Kangaroos live at Suncorp Stadium. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.
