Picture proves Best has been waiting for Aussie debut since year 6

A 2013 photo circulating on social media shows that NRL star Bradman Best and his year 6 teacher understood the power of dreams.

The image, taken by Tanya Doorn at Woy Woy, shows Best holding a chalkboard that says "Play Rugby League for Australia".

Now the 25-year-old is one of four debutants in the line-up for the Kangaroos' clash with Fiji in Brisbane on Sunday.

"It means everything," Best said.

"Ever since a little kid, I've dreamt of this … it's pretty special."

Ms Doorn, who is still at St John the Baptist school in Woy Woy, says Best's success comes as no surprise.

"You could tell Bradman was going to potentially become something great on the field," she said.

"He was never the loudest player or a loud show off. He was a very humble student."

A lifelong goal

Best played junior rugby league for the Woy Woy Roosters before being signed by the Newcastle Knights and debuting in the NRL in 2019.

Although his primary school could not be more proud of his success, Best did not enjoy those years.

"I hated school and sort of put all my eggs into one basket and that was rugby league," he said.

Best's year 2 teacher, Clare Gallagher, said his athletic talent was apparent from early on.

"He was going to be an Olympic runner — he always ran 100 metres exceptionally fast," she said.

 "And yes, he said he put his eggs into one basket, which was his sporting skills."

Inspiring others

Best, a champion nipper at Umina Surf Club, hopes to inspire the students at his former school to chase their dreams.

"For the young kids coming through, I always tell them, 'Dream big,'" he said.

"Aspire to be whatever you want to do, whatever you want to be … go out and chase it."

Ms Gallagher said the students were taking inspiration from Best's success.

"It makes them think that if someone from our school can do that, I can do that, because they all have big dreams," she said.

Best's inspiration came from the home.

"At that young age it was my dad. He was my hero, he played rugby league and I guess I just wanted to be like him," he said.

Roger Best played in the lower grades for Manly before he joined the London Broncos in England's Super League in 1997.