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Braith Anasta felt he was targeted by Roosters fans following announcement of his transfer to Wests Tigers
Josh Massoud
The Daily Telegraph
February 21, 2013 12:00AM
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Braith Anasta
Braith Anasta felt targeted by Roosters fans following his mid-season decision to leave the club. Picture has been digitally altered Source: The Daily Telegraph
STAR Tigers recruit Braith Anasta has revealed the price of signing with a rival club mid-season, describing himself as a "target" for Roosters fans and armchair critics during his final months at Bondi Junction.
As debate continues over the merits of an end-of-year transfer window, Anasta yesterday spoke of the current system's personal toll ahead of his first encounter against the Roosters in this weekend's Foundation Cup trial.
The former Roosters skipper also admitted he and other players weren't content at the club when he signed a two-year deal with the Tigers last April.
"I needed a change," Anasta said.
"I was not enjoying my footy where I was and a lot of other guys weren't, mind you. There wasn't a huge commitment there from them."
Anasta declined to elaborate on the exact reasons for his unease, but it's widely known a significant proportion of the team no longer supported previous coach Brian Smith.
"If you asked me at the time I signed for the Tigers if I was happy I would have said 'no'," Anasta said.
"There were a number of reasons for that and I can't speak on behalf of other people."
But after securing his future across the Anzac Bridge, Anasta had to negotiate a mentally testing period to complete his seven-year stint at the Roosters.
He often felt like a "target" for Tricolours fans, who could willingly misrepresent below-par performances.
"It's hard - I wouldn't recommend it," he said. "It depends on the person you are and the player you are. I'm an extremely passionate player who wears my heart on my chest.
"When times are tough and you're moving clubs, it's very hard.
"It puts a target on you. Fans are looking at you. It's like they don't see you in the same light. You are an easy target and it can play on your mind.
"I think there's definitely a strong case for having a transfer window."
The Tigers originally signed Anasta to play halfback alongside Benji Marshall, but that plan changed dramatically when Tim Sheens was sacked last October.
Ironically, new coach Mick Potter has handed the No.7 jersey to Anasta's former apprentice at the Roosters - Jacob Miller.
"I think he's just got to get that confidence and belief that he belongs in the top grade," Anasta said.
Playing outside the halves as a left-edge back-rower, Anasta made a sensational debut for the Tigers with a two-try haul in last weekend's trial thrashing of Parramatta.
"I never said I didn't want to play back row," Anasta said. "I said I preferred five-eighth, but I made a grand final (in 2010) and played some of my best football as a left-edge back-rower."
Josh Massoud
The Daily Telegraph
February 21, 2013 12:00AM
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Braith Anasta
Braith Anasta felt targeted by Roosters fans following his mid-season decision to leave the club. Picture has been digitally altered Source: The Daily Telegraph
STAR Tigers recruit Braith Anasta has revealed the price of signing with a rival club mid-season, describing himself as a "target" for Roosters fans and armchair critics during his final months at Bondi Junction.
As debate continues over the merits of an end-of-year transfer window, Anasta yesterday spoke of the current system's personal toll ahead of his first encounter against the Roosters in this weekend's Foundation Cup trial.
The former Roosters skipper also admitted he and other players weren't content at the club when he signed a two-year deal with the Tigers last April.
"I needed a change," Anasta said.
"I was not enjoying my footy where I was and a lot of other guys weren't, mind you. There wasn't a huge commitment there from them."
Anasta declined to elaborate on the exact reasons for his unease, but it's widely known a significant proportion of the team no longer supported previous coach Brian Smith.
"If you asked me at the time I signed for the Tigers if I was happy I would have said 'no'," Anasta said.
"There were a number of reasons for that and I can't speak on behalf of other people."
But after securing his future across the Anzac Bridge, Anasta had to negotiate a mentally testing period to complete his seven-year stint at the Roosters.
He often felt like a "target" for Tricolours fans, who could willingly misrepresent below-par performances.
"It's hard - I wouldn't recommend it," he said. "It depends on the person you are and the player you are. I'm an extremely passionate player who wears my heart on my chest.
"When times are tough and you're moving clubs, it's very hard.
"It puts a target on you. Fans are looking at you. It's like they don't see you in the same light. You are an easy target and it can play on your mind.
"I think there's definitely a strong case for having a transfer window."
The Tigers originally signed Anasta to play halfback alongside Benji Marshall, but that plan changed dramatically when Tim Sheens was sacked last October.
Ironically, new coach Mick Potter has handed the No.7 jersey to Anasta's former apprentice at the Roosters - Jacob Miller.
"I think he's just got to get that confidence and belief that he belongs in the top grade," Anasta said.
Playing outside the halves as a left-edge back-rower, Anasta made a sensational debut for the Tigers with a two-try haul in last weekend's trial thrashing of Parramatta.
"I never said I didn't want to play back row," Anasta said. "I said I preferred five-eighth, but I made a grand final (in 2010) and played some of my best football as a left-edge back-rower."
