Sydney Roosters captain Braith Anasta explains why he had to leave Sydney Roosters for Wests Tigers
By David Riccio
The Sunday Telegraph
April 01, 2012 10:26AM
This was never the plan for Braith Anasta.
Sydney Roosters' captain thought he had found a home. After seven seasons, a grand final appearance and 129 first-grade games for the club, this was where the 30-year-old believed he would finish his career.
"I've been here for so long now, I'm the captain of the club . . . there was just no other option but to finish at the Roosters," Anasta said.
"But, at the end of the day, I had to realise there was a big possibility that may not be the case.
"The way the (contract) process dragged on . . . it was basically telling me I'm going to have to accept the fact I may have to pull on another jersey.
"I'll be honest, it's been a shock to the system. It's been a tough week, but everyone has to do this.
"I'm no different to anyone else."
After months of uncertainty, innuendo and unanswered questions, Anasta signed a two-year deal with Wests Tigers last Friday.
Reaching the decision to leave Bondi Junction initially came as a disappointment, but that has since been tempered with the excitement of a fresh NRL start. He also pledged a steely desire to finish with a premiership while scoffing at the notion he was past his use-by-date.
THE DECISION
Anasta spoke with Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens early last week.
But as he listened to Sheens' pitch and his plans to use Anasta next season, the former Test star struggled to comprehend the situation he was in.
"They (Tigers) were really keen on having me at the club and to hear that enthusiasm and commitment from them – and Tim, in particular -- was exciting," Anasta said.
"To me, it was still hard to believe I was in that position (of leaving the Roosters).
"I went back to them hoping that maybe they would come to me with something."
THE MEETINGS
As much as Anasta wanted to remain at the Roosters, the off-contract five-eighth knew in November his days were numbered -- the moment the club signed New Zealand Warriors pivot James Maloney for the 2013 season.
"I'd been talking to the club on a regular basis for a quite a while and not getting any real clear answers," Anasta said.
"They'd signed a few guys in key positions, so you don't need to be Einstein to work it out. I understand how it works, so as the months went on, I became more comfortable with it. I accepted it.
"Yes, it was devastating, but when one door closes another one opens.
"I'm fine with it now.
"I don't have this hanging over my head any more. I don't have to play each week not knowing where your future is, I can just commit myself to playing football week in, week out."
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Anasta broke the news to his Roosters teammates at a team lunch on Friday at his family-owned restaurant, the Boatshed, in La Perouse. It was one of the captain's most important speeches.
"I've still got a season left here at the Roosters and I still want to win a premiership," Anasta told them.
"I won't be there (next year), but nothing changes for me this season.
"Nothing wavers in regards to my effort for the team and I want to go out on a high.
"My focus is solely on the Roosters and winning as many games as we possibly can.
"I love the place, it's given me so many opportunities, I'm captain of the club. That's a huge privilege. Even though it's devastating to be leaving, I'm not gone yet."
RUNNING ON OLD LEGS
Anasta turned 30 in January. Alongside Sam Perrett, Frank-Paul Nuuausala and Anthony Minichiello, he's one of only four players at the club over the age of 25.
Unfortunately for Anasta, his birth certificate puts him outside the Roosters' judicious "youth policy" despite being the skipper.
Asked if he was over the hill, Anasta replied: "Not at all. From my point of view, definitely not.
"I'm still getting my game fitness after I suffered a back injury in pre-season, but apart from that I've never felt better. You look around the competition and you've got Jamie Lyon, Corey Parker, Justin Hodges, all these guys I've played football with -- and there are guys who are 34.
"Whether the Roosters believe that or not, it's up to them. They don't want to buy anyone over 26, 27, so that's just the way they've gone and good luck to the club. There's no animosity from my end. But I've got a good few seasons left."
