Braith Anasta under pressure to retain Wests Tigers 5/8

[Muffstar]

Less than flattering statistics and pressure from the club’s youngsters has Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter conceding Braith Anasta’s number six jersey is under threat.

Statistics from nrlstats.com show Anasta has failed to record a try, try assist, line break assist or a line break in his past four games.

Potter has been intent on providing a stable mix of youth and experience in the side, however it’s been 19-year-old Luke Brooks who has shouldered the majority of the attacking responsibility - particularly when Robbie Farah has been out injured.

Panthers off-season recruit Blake Austin has been impressive since he cemented a spot in the 17 but his time at five-eighth has mostly come on the back of injury or suspension to Anasta. However, Potter’s decision to replace Anasta for Austin with the game on the line against Cronulla Sharks last Saturday night, could also be a sign the former Australian representative is on the outer.

The return of Curtis Sironen from injury and the decision to elevate Mitchell Moses - the teenager earmarked to be Brooks’ long term halves partner - from the Tigers’ under 20s squad to NSW Cup side this weekend, will also add pressure. Potter admitted Anasta did not hold a monopoly on the five-eighth's role.

‘‘I think there’s pressure on everyone and sure there’s pressure on Braith,’’ he said. ‘‘We have some young guys coming through and I think Braith actually likes that because I think it challenges him. He’s a senior player within our squad and he knows he’s under pressure as do the other players. If they don’t perform there’s a possibility they potentially won’t be in the team the next week or the week after that.’’

Anasta was confident he would remain alongside Brooks in the halves. ‘‘I just have to keep doing my job and winning games and doing what I can for the boys and hopefully it should be sweet,’’ he said. ‘‘There’s always pressure, I’ve been playing for 15 years and you have to perform week in and week out or else your job is on the line. That doesn’t change, it’s always been that way since I started and it will be that way until I finish.

‘‘I just have to enjoy the time … play as good as I can and make sure I finish the season in the No.6 jersey.’’

Austin and Joel Luani will fill the hooking role vacated by Farah due to NSW origin commitments on Saturday night against Brisbane at Campbelltown. Potter refused to rule out a more permanent shift to the halves for Austin when Farah returned. ‘‘It’s different for him this week and we’ll see what in the future,’’ he said.

 

[Old_Maggie]

**‘‘I just have to enjoy the time … play as good as I can and make sure I finish the season in the No.6 jersey.’’**
makes me think, that he know he has limited time left in footy.
would not be surprised if he is close to one of the best players in the game on sat night.
also when Dene Halatau gets some match fitness back, there may be some changes involving Braith

 

[azsportza]

He said in his presser this morning that this season would be his last. Braith will take a full time roll with Fox Sports in 2015 you would think.

 

[larrycorowa]

I expect Austin to take control of the 6 by the end of the origin period. He should get good game time and some time at 6 to show his wares. The more players that come back from injury, the less we will need Anasta's 'experience'

 

[Tigerdave]

nice having options and certainly nice with players due to come back from injury very soon. Brooks seems to be starting to take control of things, the more times that happens, the less chance Braith has of staying in the halves.

 

[TurnStyle]

I really don't see stats as important indicators of anasta's worth to the side at the moment. No one not on the field can say for certain exactly how good he has been for brooks this year, but brooks (and therefore in large part the team) is coming along well with him out there.
Besides, I actually think Anasta is playing quite well.

I think potter is being very astute in how he is shaping this team and Anasta is doing what he is there for well.

With players coming back from injury, and the evolution of the team in steady time, I'm very excited to see how they finish this season: the prospect of Austin hitting his straps in the side with nofoaluma, simona, tedesco, brooks, farah and "the wolf pack" is an awesome one indeed.

 

[Guest]

I suspect Austin will be wearing the 6 jersey in a few weeks unless Anasta suddenly starts setting up tries.

 

[851]

I suspect Austin will be wearing the 6 jersey in a few weeks unless Anasta suddenly starts setting up tries.

I bloody hope so,Anasta offers jack in attack,and his so called cool head and experience is not on show as far as i can see.
Dropping easy passes every week,his deadly bombs that use to terrify our fullbacks and wingers have gone as well,I think Austin should be in the 6 sooner rather than later.

 

[Tim Sheens]

I really don't see stats as important indicators of anasta's worth to the side at the moment. No one not on the field can say for certain exactly how good he has been for brooks this year, but brooks (and therefore in large part the team) is coming along well with him out there.
Besides, I actually think Anasta is playing quite well.

I think potter is being very astute in how he is shaping this team and Anasta is doing what he is there for well.

With players coming back from injury, and the evolution of the team in steady time, I'm very excited to see how they finish this season: the prospect of Austin hitting his straps in the side with nofoaluma, simona, tedesco, brooks, farah and "the wolf pack" is an awesome one indeed.

A good and balanced post.

I think all on here are hoping Austin will become an integral part of the team, but some still see the value that Anasta is bringing for the time being, particularly when without Farah.

 

[sheer64]

‘‘I just have to keep doing my job and winning games and doing what I can for the boys and hopefully it should be sweet,’’ he said.
pen_mouth: :brick:

 

[cktiger]

It's a hard call with Anasta because I don't see Austin as an 80 minute first grader at the moment.
He is great coming on fresh to supply some energy and spark but gets lost the longer he's on the field.
On the bench for a little longer for mine.

 

[westy81]

It's a hard call with Anasta because I don't see Austin as an 80 minute first grader at the moment.
He is great coming on fresh to supply some energy and spark but gets lost the longer he's on the field.
On the bench for a little longer for mine.

He probably just needs match fitness that's all

_Posted using RoarFEED V.4_

 

[kingbeej]

It's a hard call with Anasta because I don't see Austin as an 80 minute first grader at the moment.
He is great coming on fresh to supply some energy and spark but gets lost the longer he's on the field.
On the bench for a little longer for mine.

Austin's deadline to nail down the 6 is before Halatau comes back (im guessing after 1 or 2 games in reggies), otherwise his spot on bench will be uncertain. Halatau, offers a lot as a utilty forward and it is enough for potter to consider picking one or the other

 

[Masterton]

I'm no fan of Anasta, but his experience and influence is hard to measure for someone outside the team.

The origin period is perfect for playing Austin on the bench. He can spell Luani at hooker, but also Anasta. If he's playing much better (more importantly, if the side is), it should be plain to see.

 

[Demps]

I'm a big fan of Austin.
Except whenever he's got the ball i'm holding my breath.
His passes look to float forward but not noticeably so he's not being pulled up on it.
I'd have him over Anasta any day of the week but he needs to improve.

 

[Masterton]

I'm a big fan of Austin.
Except whenever he's got the ball i'm holding my breath.
His passes look to float forward but not noticeably so he's not being pulled up on it.

A few of the Broncos also possess this magical skill.

 

[happy_tiger]

I'm a big fan of Austin.
Except whenever he's got the ball i'm holding my breath.
His passes look to float forward but not noticeably so he's not being pulled up on it.
I'd have him over Anasta any day of the week but he needs to improve.

His passes , he doesn't pass often and I'd imagine the reason is he is moving at speed when he does pass

 

[pHyR3]

I'm a big fan of Austin.
Except whenever he's got the ball i'm holding my breath.
His passes look to float forward but not noticeably so he's not being pulled up on it.
I'd have him over Anasta any day of the week but he needs to improve.

His passes , he doesn't pass often and I'd imagine the reason is he is moving at speed when he does pass

pretty much this.

quick explanation. a forward pass is NOT a pass that travels forward relative to the ground. it's a pass that comes out of the hands forward. So, the faster you are running the more the ball travels 'forward' compared to the ground. But its still backwards out of the hands.

here's a union video that explains it well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=box08lq9ylg

back on topic, keep austin and anasta as they are right now. Austin will struggle as an 80 minute player. He works very well as an impact utility. Just remember he comes on with fresh legs and 30-60 minutes of tension wanting to be released. So he looks so super fast and dangerous (which is great and is exactly what a bench player needs to do). I dont know for sure he'd do the same if he played 80 minutes though, he might but he could also completely fade away in the back end. he's started before at 6, and he hasn't had quite the same immediate impact he does off the bench. (remember the eels game? )