Braith Anasta says he's still owed money by Wests Tigers
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Fairfax Digital
ANDREW WEBSTER
Retired Wests Tigers star Braith Anasta has savaged his former club, claiming it owes him money and that the embattled joint venture released Adam Blair because of salary cap pressure.
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Anasta, who brought his 14-season career to a close this year, also revealed other Tigers players he knew were out of pocket. "My contract, that I agreed to with the Tigers, has not fully been honoured," the 32-year-old told Sky News' Sportsnight. "And that has left a bitter taste in my mouth … The Tigers have let go of Adam Blair, they've let go of Bodene Thompson, Blake Austin – three of their best players this year. There's no coincidence in my mind they're struggling with money. They're trying to release pressure from the salary cap. I know for a fact they haven't paid a few players that have been on the roster the last couple of seasons – and I've been one of them."
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Anasta was unavailable for comment on Wednesday night, but Fairfax Media understands the dispute relates to two outstanding third-party arrangements that were not honoured over the two years of his tumultuous stint.
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He signed for the 2013 and 2014 seasons after his former club, the Roosters, had only offered him a one-year deal. That deal was struck with former Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys, who has since been sacked, and long-time recruitment manager Warren McDonnell.
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Now, Anasta is left chasing money while in retirement.Tigers chief executive Grant Mayer was stunned by the claims when contacted on Wednesday — but hopes to meet Anasta next week to discuss the issue. "As this agreement was reached between the former Wests Tigers CEO and Braith Anasta's former manager [Greg Willett], the revelation was a surprise," Mayer said. "However, Braith and myself have agreed to meet next week to discuss the issue."
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Blair, who joined the Tigers from the Storm on about $550,000 a season, was this week released from the final year of his contract to join Wayne Bennett at the Broncos next year.
While it is unclear which players Anasta was referring to when he mentioned unpaid contracts, there were suggestions that former five-eighth Benji Marshall is one of them. Marshall stormed out to join New Zealand rugby powerhouse Auckland Blues last year after a deal negotiated with Humphreys also fell through.
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"Braith mentioned other players who have not been paid," Mayer said. "I am assuming he is talking about players who have left the club." Anasta's claims are an unwanted distraction for the Tigers as they try to rebuild after a disastrous 2014 season that ended in coach Mick Potter being sacked. The NRL parachuted in three independent directors, with chief executive Dave Smith promising to bring stability to the club. "Everyone agrees that the Wests Tigers are poised for one of the most exciting eras in their history," Smith said at the time.
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New coach Jason Taylor is also clearing parts of the roster to shape it his way, but Anasta believes he now goes into next season lacking depth. "I look at their squad and I thought their squad as it was would be close to a top four this year," he said. "But they've lost a lot of depth with Blair, Thompson and Austin. They were a security blanket for them. If there are any injuries that were there last year, there will be trouble."
So it was previous Management that arranged these TPA's that haven't been honoured….Mayer also seemed surprised Anasta referred to current players....Who to believe???...Hmmmm
Advertisement
Fairfax Digital
ANDREW WEBSTER
Retired Wests Tigers star Braith Anasta has savaged his former club, claiming it owes him money and that the embattled joint venture released Adam Blair because of salary cap pressure.
>
Anasta, who brought his 14-season career to a close this year, also revealed other Tigers players he knew were out of pocket. "My contract, that I agreed to with the Tigers, has not fully been honoured," the 32-year-old told Sky News' Sportsnight. "And that has left a bitter taste in my mouth … The Tigers have let go of Adam Blair, they've let go of Bodene Thompson, Blake Austin – three of their best players this year. There's no coincidence in my mind they're struggling with money. They're trying to release pressure from the salary cap. I know for a fact they haven't paid a few players that have been on the roster the last couple of seasons – and I've been one of them."
>
Anasta was unavailable for comment on Wednesday night, but Fairfax Media understands the dispute relates to two outstanding third-party arrangements that were not honoured over the two years of his tumultuous stint.
>
He signed for the 2013 and 2014 seasons after his former club, the Roosters, had only offered him a one-year deal. That deal was struck with former Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys, who has since been sacked, and long-time recruitment manager Warren McDonnell.
>
Now, Anasta is left chasing money while in retirement.Tigers chief executive Grant Mayer was stunned by the claims when contacted on Wednesday — but hopes to meet Anasta next week to discuss the issue. "As this agreement was reached between the former Wests Tigers CEO and Braith Anasta's former manager [Greg Willett], the revelation was a surprise," Mayer said. "However, Braith and myself have agreed to meet next week to discuss the issue."
>
Blair, who joined the Tigers from the Storm on about $550,000 a season, was this week released from the final year of his contract to join Wayne Bennett at the Broncos next year.
While it is unclear which players Anasta was referring to when he mentioned unpaid contracts, there were suggestions that former five-eighth Benji Marshall is one of them. Marshall stormed out to join New Zealand rugby powerhouse Auckland Blues last year after a deal negotiated with Humphreys also fell through.
>
"Braith mentioned other players who have not been paid," Mayer said. "I am assuming he is talking about players who have left the club." Anasta's claims are an unwanted distraction for the Tigers as they try to rebuild after a disastrous 2014 season that ended in coach Mick Potter being sacked. The NRL parachuted in three independent directors, with chief executive Dave Smith promising to bring stability to the club. "Everyone agrees that the Wests Tigers are poised for one of the most exciting eras in their history," Smith said at the time.
>
New coach Jason Taylor is also clearing parts of the roster to shape it his way, but Anasta believes he now goes into next season lacking depth. "I look at their squad and I thought their squad as it was would be close to a top four this year," he said. "But they've lost a lot of depth with Blair, Thompson and Austin. They were a security blanket for them. If there are any injuries that were there last year, there will be trouble."
So it was previous Management that arranged these TPA's that haven't been honoured….Mayer also seemed surprised Anasta referred to current players....Who to believe???...Hmmmm
