{
  "id": 16372403,
  "title": "Picture proves Best has been waiting for Aussie debut since year 6",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/picture-proves-best-has-been-waiting-for-aussie-debut-since-year-6",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-24T20:38:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-25/bradman-best-rugby-league-world-cup-debut-childhood-dream/107301154"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NRL star Bradman Best is set to fulfill his childhood dream of representing Australia in rugby league for the first time. A photograph from 2013, showcasing Best holding a chalkboard that reads \"Play Rugby League for Australia,\" has recently resurfaced on social media, heralding his upcoming debut. Scheduled to play against Fiji on Sunday night, the 25-year-old joins four other debutants in the Australian lineup.\n\nSince his younger years, Best has harbored aspirations of achieving this milestone. Reflecting on his dream, Best remarked, \"Ever since a little kid, I've dreamt of this... it's pretty special.\" Tanya Doorn, who captured the photo in 2013 and is still a teacher at Woy Woy's St John the Baptist school, lauds Best's talent and humility. She notes that despite never being the most vocal player, Best demonstrated remarkable potential in the classroom and on the field.\n\nBest began his rugby league journey with the Woy Woy Roosters before being signed by the Newcastle Knights, where he made his NRL debut in 2019. Early on, teachers recognized his athletic prowess. Clare Gallagher, one of his primary school teachers, remarked that he exhibited exceptional speed and a relentless drive to succeed. Despite Best confessing to having \"put all his eggs into one basket,\" focusing solely on rugby league, his dedication and natural ability shone through. Now, Best aims to inspire the students from his former school to pursue their dreams fiercely, echoing a sentiment shared by Gallagher: \"If someone from our school can achieve this, so can you.\"",
  "summary": "A 2013 photo circulating on social media shows that NRL star Bradman Best and his year 6 teacher understood the power of dreams.",
  "key_points": [
    "Bradman Best dreams of Australian debut since age 6",
    "2013 photo resurfaces showing chalkboard wish",
    "Best joins four debutants in upcoming Fiji match"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}