Boxing legend Jeff Fenech went 'apes**t' when he found out his daughter was dating an NRL player - but now the footy star has won his approval

Australian former world boxing champion Jeff Fenech did not react well when his daughter Kayla told him she was in a relationship with an NRL star - but his feelings have now changed.

Fenech's daughter Kayla, 28, told News Corp that her dad 'went apes**t' when she called him to say she was dating Newcastle centre Bradman Best.

'I'd always warned my girls about going out with league players,' Fenech told The Daily Telegraph.

'I've been knocking around with footballers all my life.

'They're young and they love going out and having a good time.

'So when she rang and told me, I went off the deep end. I gave her a roasting. She kept trying to say, "Dad, he's a lovely guy". Kayla was telling me every day how nice he was.

'Bradman knew I was angry, but he told Kayla, "I'll prove your dad wrong" - and he has.'

The country's greatest ever fighter and Best now get along well, with the pair even doing some boxing training together. 

'Maybe he was trying to impress his future father-in-law,' Jeff said.

'He was very impressive when we trained.

'When we first met, you could tell he was a good young man. He's treating Kayla beautifully. Like a gentleman. They're very happy. And so is my wife Suzee and I.

'The only time I got dirty is when he scored two tries against my Parramatta side last weekend and beat us.'

Kayla, who met Best through social media, is now moving to Newcastle to be closer to him.

'He's a good person, very down to earth, and treats me really well,' she said.

'Just an all-round good person with a big heart.

'He's actually perfect.'

Best is likely to come into consideration for the NSW Blues if Latrell Mitchell is ruled out due to a foot injury that may require surgery.

Best made his Blues debut in Game III of last year's Origin series, scoring two tries in the win for NSW.