League HQ

COLIN BEST wasn't a happy camper when he failed to secure a contract extension with Canberra last year.

But fast forward 11 months and the veteran centre couldn't be happier with the way things panned out.

He's moved back to the Sutherland Shire, his wife Lara recently gave birth to the couple's second child and he's at a club on the rise.

Life has worked out just fine since he signed a two-year deal with South Sydney.

"At the start of last year I was definitely looking to stay at the Raiders," Best said. "But the move has been great.

"It's weird, it's probably been the easiest club I've moved to. The boys have welcomed me like I've been here for a few years so I've really enjoyed it.

"I've been lucky that I've come at a good time. I think the dark days are over at Souths."

Best was furious when Raiders management only offered him a one-year contract extension last June.

He reacted by signing a two-year deal with the Rabbitohs and going on a four-try rampage against the Bulldogs. It sparked a remarkable form renaissance for the 30-year-old journeyman, who went on to win the Dally M Winger of the Year award.

This season he's continued to display good form.

He was named in NSW's 40-man State of Origin induction squad and would have played for NSW City if not for a niggling knee injury.

But while he couldn't be happier with his move to Souths, Best wants more out of his football.

He described his personal form as similar to the Rabbitohs' start to the season - solid but not spectacular.

"My football has been OK," he said. "It hasn't been fantastic so far, it's been steady. I guess I've sort of been like how the team is. I've been getting in the grind without doing anything spectacular."

It's the Rabbitohs' ability to grind out early-season wins that has Best excited about his team's progress.

After five wins and a draw from their opening 10 games, he sensed the Rabbitohs were about to go to a new level. And he wouldn't be surprised if it happened against the Raiders.

"We've been a real grinding team," he said. "We've been making games harder for ourselves by turning over possession. But we've got character and spirit so we've been hanging in games.

"As soon as we get that ball control and a bit of ruthlessness about us we'll be able to put teams to the sword."

While Best talks about a more ruthless South Sydney outfit, he's approaching tomorrow's clash with the Raiders at ANZ Stadium with mixed emotions.

He desperately wants a win so the Bunnies can bounce back into the top eight, but he's also still got a soft spot for his former side.

"I like watching them," he said.

"I guess they've been pretty inconsistent this year, when they're on you know how well they can play, but when they're off they're off."