A New Chapter for Bradman Best
Bradman Best, a rising star in the National Rugby League (NRL), is set to take on a new challenge beyond the football field. The Newcastle Knights centre has landed a role in an upcoming biopic about Australian boxing legend Jeff Fenech. This project has taken on a deeply personal significance for Best due to his close relationship with the Fenech family.
Best will make his acting debut in FENECH – The Jeff Fenech Story, a film that traces Fenech’s journey from the tough streets of Marrickville to becoming a world champion. His role in the movie is as former world champion Jeff Harding, and he will appear as a sparring partner in the film.
The casting of Best is not just a coincidence; it’s a result of his deep ties to the Fenech family. He is engaged to Kayla Fenech, Jeff Fenech’s daughter. Their engagement was made public earlier this year after a romantic proposal at Krinklewood Estate in the NSW Hunter Valley. The couple, who have been together for several years, already share a young daughter, Kaliyah, who was present during the proposal.
This relationship has firmly embedded Best within one of Australia’s most iconic fighting families, making his involvement in the film a natural fit. Jeff Fenech initially didn’t think the idea would come up, but it wasn’t long before it became a reality.
“They were looking into whether he could be added to the cast,” Fenech said. “It didn’t take long for that to change. ‘Bradman’s in the movie thanks to you!’ I later revealed. I asked them this afternoon and they thought it was a great idea. He’s going to be a sparring partner. He’ll be Jeff Harding. He thought we were just joking at first, but he’s wrapt. He can’t wait.”
Best’s selection isn’t just based on family connections. The 23-year-old has a genuine boxing background, having trained and fought in his younger years on the Central Coast. Fenech has seen that ability firsthand during training sessions.
“The way he hits, I always tell him, he could fight and beat most of these guys boxing today,” Fenech said.
A Film with Real Grit
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Matt Norman, the film aims to deliver a raw and uncompromising portrayal of Fenech’s life. It focuses on the grit, sacrifice, and resilience that defined his career. Producers have placed a strong emphasis on realism, using real fighters in key roles and avoiding overly choreographed, Hollywood-style fight scenes.
The cast blends actors and sporting figures, with Daniel Amalm playing Fenech, Gary Sweet as legendary trainer Johnny Lewis, and Tim Tszyu cast as his father Kostya Tszyu. Broadcaster Ben Damon will also appear as a commentator, while Fenech’s daughters will play themselves.
This unique blend of real-life experiences and cinematic storytelling promises to bring Fenech’s story to life in a way that resonates with audiences. With Best’s involvement adding a personal touch, the film is set to be a compelling tribute to one of Australia’s most iconic athletes.
