Braith Anasta
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Full name | Braith Anastasakis | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Born | Malabar, New South Wales, Australia | 14 January 1982|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Height | 185 cm (6 ft 1 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weight | 97 kg (15 st 4 lb) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Position | Five-eighth, Lock, Second-row | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Braith Anastasakis (born 14 January 1982), better known as Braith Anasta, is an Australian former professional
Playing career
Anasta was born in 1982 in
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (2000–05)
Despite spending a majority of his first season in Jersey Flegg, Anasta made his first grade debut at the age of 18 on 2 June 2000 against the Parramatta Eels at Parramatta Stadium, filling in for the injured Jason Hetherington.[6] This was the only first grade game Anasta played in 2000, however he had a great deal of success with the Bulldogs Jersey Flegg side, helping them to a premiership victory over the Western Suburbs Magpies.[6]
Anasta's breakthrough year came in the
The
In
The
As 2004 NRL premiers, Canterbury faced
Between 2000 and 2005, Anasta played 110 first grade matches for
Sydney Roosters (2006–12)
After Anasta's contract with Canterbury expired, the Sydney Roosters and the South Sydney Rabbitohs were seen as the two main contenders for his signature.[15] The departure of Luke Ricketson, Michael Crocker, Jason Cayless, Chris Walker and Brett Firman ahead of the 2006 season allowed the Roosters to table a sizeable offer for Anasta. After months of speculation, on 13 July 2005, it was announced that Anasta had signed a three-year deal with the Roosters. Anasta claimed his move to the Roosters wasn't financially motivated and was "based upon the opportunity to work under Roosters and State of Origin Coach Ricky Stuart".[16]
Anasta made his debut for the
The
Partnering
In 2009, Anasta was sidelined with a season ending ankle injury in round 15 against the North Queensland Cowboys.[citation needed] In 2009, Anasta made his first and only appearance at fullback, with coach Brad Fittler choosing to play Anasta in the position for the round 11 match against the Penrith Panthers. The club would finish the 2009 NRL season in last place on the table, the first time this had occurred since 1966.[22]
In the 2010 NRL season, Anasta started off in the five-eighth position combining to form a combination with Mitchell Pearce and Todd Carney which allowed the Roosters to have a firm hold on a top eight position. Midway through the season, Anasta was moved to the lock position to allow Todd Carney to play in the halves. In the 2010 Qualifying Final against the Wests Tigers, Anasta scored a try and kicked the crucial field goal to send the match to golden point, a match the Roosters would go on to win in what was a career highlight for Anasta.
Anasta played in the
On 7 March 2011, Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis announced the re-signing of club captain Anasta ensuring he will stay at the club for the next two seasons.[23] Just over a year later, it was announced that Anasta would join the Wests Tigers for two seasons starting from 2013. Anasta said of this period, "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."[24]
Wests Tigers (2013–14)
Originally Anasta was signed by coach
With Potter playing Anasta in the second row, Anasta said, "I never said I didn't want to play back row. I said I preferred five-eighth, but I made a grand final and played some of my best football as a left-edge back-rower."[24] Later he admitted that he was surprised to find himself playing in unexpected positions, and only hit form towards the end of the season.[25]
Anasta made his first appearance in Wests Tigers colours in a pre-season trial against Parramatta Eels. Playing in the second row and without captaincy responsibilities, he scored two tries in the first half of an easy victory.[26] He played in eighteen games over the regular season, scoring one try.
Anasta announced his retirement from rugby league via his commentary role on FOX Sports 1's NRL Super Saturday on Saturday 16 August 2014.[citation needed] He played his last game for the Wests Tigers in Round 17 against the Penrith Panthers.
Anasta would make a total of 31 appearances for the Tigers, scoring 2 tries, kicking 4 goals and 2 field goals. Then coach of the Tigers Mick Potter was quoted on Anasta's time at the club "During his two seasons at the Wests Tigers, Braith has been a real asset both on and off the field," Potter said.
"He has played a key role in helping develop younger players within the squad and I know that the young playmakers within the club have taken plenty of advice from him."[27]
In 2017, Anasta opened up to Fox Sports about his time at the Wests Tigers and recalled it wasn't one of the happiest times in his life. He went on to say: "I didn't step foot [sic] in the joint (before signing) which is another major regret for me, didn't even step into the facilities to see what they were like. "I'm thinking they’ve got the same facilities, I'm thinking 'it's a first grade rugby league team, I'm not even questioning that'.
"It's not a shocking gym, but it's not like ... I just remember thinking 'wow, this is so far behind the times'. Little things like availability to Gatorade and water. "You'd only have a certain amount of Gatorade. You're talking about a team that trains three to four hours a day that has limits to their recovery. "A few times they didn't pay the bill for strapping tape. Which is just a necessity. Guys scavenging for tape to try and tape themselves up before a training session. "This was in 2013, it was bizarre. It was a dark place I don't know how anyone could be expected to play their best and that showed for a long period of time. "Pottsy (coach Mick Potter) did as much as he could, even he had his hands tied, because as I said, the joint was a debacle".[28]
Sydney Roosters at the NRL Auckland Nines (2016)
The Sydney Roosters announced that Braith Anasta would captain their team at the 2016 NRL Nines in Auckland.[29] Anasta appeared in all three games for the Roosters impressing on his return, scoring a try, kicking three goals and one field goal. This prompted speculation that Anasta would come out of retirement and return to the Roosters, Anasta responded "My days are over and I'm very happy with where I'm at,"[30]
Representative football
While his Greek heritage through his father made him eligible to represent the
Australia
After his outstanding 2001 season, Anasta was selected in the Australian squad for the
In August 2008, Anasta was named in the preliminary 46-man Kangaroos squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.[33][34]
New South Wales
Anasta was a regular in the
While
Anasta has played 10 games for New South Wales, scoring two tries in total.
City Origin
Anasta made his
Greece
In 2013, Anasta made himself available to play for his father's country in Greece. He made his debut in a match against Hungary in Budapest, scoring four tries and kicking fifteen goals from as many attempts for a total of 46 points in the 90–0 victory. Anasta said, "To play for Greece was a proud moment for me, for my dad and grandparents. It was the first time I was in Greece beforehand and I loved it."[41]
Awards and honours
Individual
- 2001: Dally M Rookie of the Year
- 2005: Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year
- 2007: Jack Gibson Medal (Roosters Player of the Year)
- 2007: Supporters Club Player of the Year (Roosters)
- 2008: The Players' Champion[42]
- 2010: Dally MCaptain of the Year
Team
- 2002: State of Origin (New South Wales)
- 2004: Premiers (Bulldogs)
- 2005: State of Origin (New South Wales)
Post-playing career
Anasta joined Fox Sports following his retirement from playing in 2015 where he has established himself as a regular commentator and analyst for Fox League, appearing in commentary and on Super Saturday and Sunday Ticket.[citation needed] Braith also regularly appears on The Golf Show.[citation needed] He is currently the host of NRL 360.
In 2018, Anasta established a sports management company called Searoo Sports, aimed at golf and rugby league athletes. Anasta said: "We've got so many talented athletes here, we've got to help them. I've learned a lot over the years, I want to mentor and help get them to the next level"[43]
Personal life
Anasta became engaged to model and actress Jodi Gordon in July 2011 and the couple married on 14 October 2012.[44][45] They have a daughter together, born 1 March 2014. On 11 December 2015, Anasta and Gordon confirmed their separation after three years of marriage.[46]
Anasta starting dating personal trainer Rachael Lee in 2016. They welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Gigi, on 21 January 2018. Lee also has a son from a previous relationship.[47]
Anasta is an avid golfer playing off a handicap of +1.[48] He received a playing invitation to compete in the 2011 New South Wales PGA Championship.[49]
References
- ^ Rugby League Project
- ^ League Central
- ^ "Switch not one of life's big hurdles, says Anasta". The Sydney Morning Herald. 5 June 2005. Retrieved 30 March 2022.
- ^ Lyon, Anita (2 July 2019). "What Braith Anasta learnt about parenting by losing his father to suicide". nowtolove.com.au. Retrieved 30 March 2022.
- ^ "SportingPulse Homepage for Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League". SportingPulse. Archived from the original on 31 January 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2008.
- ^ a b c d e Braith Anasta profile Archived 30 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine Bulldogs.com.au. Retrieved 8 May 2008
- ^ a b Waite ready for Aussie young guns BBC Sport Online. Retrieved 8 May 2008
- ^ Anasta Latest League Star To Switch Codes? Scrum.com. Retrieved 8 May 2008
- ^ Anasta looks to return for finals The Age. Retrieved 8 May 2008
- ^ Anasta could miss more than a month The Age. Retrieved 8 May 2008
- ^ 2004 – NRL Preliminary Final Rugby League Project. Retrieved 8 May 2008
- ^ Noad says Anasta will stay at Bulldogs The Age. Retrieved 8 May 2008
- ^ Round 18 – 2005 Archived 11 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine Rugby League Stats. Retrieved 11 May 2008
- ^ Round 26 – Roosters v Bulldogs Rugby League Project. Retrieved 8 May 2008
- ^ Roosters favourite for Anasta Fox Sports News. Retrieved 8 May 2008
- ^ Anasta signs with the Roosters till 2008 Archived 22 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine Sports Australia. Retrieved 8 May 2008
- ^ Round 1 – Roosters vs Rabbitohs Rugby League Project. Retrieved 8 May 2008
- ^ Groin injury ends Anasta's NRL season The Age. Retrieved 8 May 2008
- ^ Anasta named Jack Gibson Medalist Archived 16 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine SportsAustralia.com. Retrieved 9 May 2008
- ^ Roosters fume after Rabbit punch Archived 24 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine LeagueHQ. Retrieved 9 May 2008
- ^ Anasta: We need a title Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 9 May 2008
- ^ Barrett, Chris (21 September 2010). "The wooden spoon to premier gold? Roosters run recalls league history". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ Anasta extends stay at the Roosters Archived 6 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine sydneyroosters.com.au Retrieved 8 March 2011
- ^ a b Josh Massoud (21 February 2012). "Braith Anasta felt he was targeted by Roosters fans following announcement of his transfer to Wests Tigers". The Daily Telegraph. Sydney. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
- ^ a b Nick Walshaw (7 September 2013). "Wests Tigers switch cost me title shot says star Braith Anasta". The Daily Telegraph. Sydney. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
- ^ Oliver Murray (20 February 2013). "Braith Anasta quick to fit in at Wests Tigers". Inner West Courier. Retrieved 4 March 2012.
- ^ "Anasta calls time on 288-game career". ABC News. 16 August 2014. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
- ^ Braith Anasta: Roosters booze culture, Wests Tigers, Rabbitohs career moves
- ^ Carayannis, Michael (5 February 2016). "Braith Anasta backs young Sydney Roosters halves amid one off return". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
- ^ Papua New Guinea vs. Australia – Test Match[permanent dead link] Rugby League Project. Retrieved 9 May 2008
- ^ Great Britain vs Australia – Test Match Rugby League Project. Retrieved 9 May 2008
- ^ Liam FitzGibbon (1 August 2008). "Surprises in Kangaroos squad". "Fox Sports News (Australia)". Archived from the original on 8 August 2008. Retrieved 2 August 2008.
- ^ "Veteran Lockyer named in Australian squad". International Herald Tribune. 1 August 2008. Retrieved 2 August 2008.
- ^ State Of Origin 2002 Series Game 1 Rugby League Project. Retrieved 9 May 2008
- ^ State Of Origin 2002 Series Game 2 Rugby League Project. Retrieved 9 May 2008
- ^ Timmins beats out Anasta for NSW The Age. Retrieved 9 May 2008
- ^ Mason, Anasta get chance to shine The Age. Retrieved 9 May 2008
- ^ Harvey Norman State Of Origin 2005 Series Game 3 Rugby League Project. Retrieved 9 May 2008
- ^ Hand back your pay cheques News.com.au. Retrieved 9 May 2008
- ^ Phil Caplan. "Anasta predicts promising future for Rugby League in Greece". rleague.com. Archived from the original on 1 November 2013. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
- ^ https://www.rlpa.com.au/players-champion-rlpa-awards/%7Cdate=September 2022
- ^ "Dailytelegraph.com.au | Subscribe to The Daily Telegraph for exclusive stories". The Daily Telegraph. Sydney. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
- Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 8 August 2011.
- News Limited. Retrieved 21 October 2012.
- ^ "Braith and Jodi Anasta split after three years of marriage". The Sydney Morning Herald. 11 December 2015.
- ^ "Braith Anasta and Rachael Lee welcome baby girl Gigi | WHO Magazine".
- ^ "Anasta withdraws, but still strong field for Mid Amateur". Golf Australia. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
- ^ "Anasta fearing the unknown at NSW PGA". The Sydney Morning Herald. 2 November 2011. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
External links
- Canterbury Bulldogs profile Archived 25 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine
- Wests Tigers Profile
- NRL Profile
- Braith Anasta at IMDb