Wests Tigers five-eighth Braith Anasta speaks about his retirement and NRL career ahead of the Club's Round 26 clash against the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday, September 6.
The veteran recently announced he will retire at the end of the 2014 season, having sustained a season-ending bicep injury against the Penrith Panthers in Round 17.
Anasta spoke about his time at Wests Tigers and what it meant to play for the Club, his highlights of playing in the NRL and plans for life after rugby league.
Hear what he had to say about his career in the video above.
Farewell Braith, Liam Fulton & Cory Paterson at our final home game of the year against the Cronulla Sharks on September 6.
... on retiring from the NRL
"It's pretty sad. I knew it was coming for a while, I guess. Because I can't play, it's not quite the same thing but I sort of accepted the fact that I won't be playing ever again a couple of months ago. I would loved to have put on the Wests Tigers jersey for one last time and have one final chance to play for the Club; that's disappointing for me, and sad for my family too as they're all going to come out even though I'm not playing. I can't complain, but. I've had a good run; I've had a good career, and I can't complain about the finish..."
... on the future of Wests Tigers
"The good thing is, and something that fans should get excited about, is the potential of the players we've got here is very exciting. I keep telling everyone that I see to keep supporting the team... The players we've got here — it's just exciting times... They're all young and they're the best rookies or up-and-coming players in the competition, let alone here at Wests Tigers. They've all got so much potential and in the next couple of years, the sky's the limit for these guys and the Club. As tough as this year's been, not only for me and for the fans, there's light at the of the tunnel. We've just got to give these guys the every opportunity to perform at their best, and they will..."
... on Wests Tigers fans and their support
"I'd just like to thank all the fans that have supported me. It's been a tough couple of years but I've always had support from the fans. Stick with the boys because there's a bright future — I'm tipping them for the top four next year — and there's positive signs ahead..."
Player Profile: Braith Anasta
D.O.B — 15th January, 1982
Junior Club — Maroubra
NRL Debut — Bulldogs vs. Parramatta, Parramatta Stadium, Rd 18, 2/6/2000
Club Debut — Wests Tigers vs. Newcastle, Hunter Stadium, 11/3/2013 (Rd 1)
Previous Clubs — Bulldogs (2000-2005), Sydney Roosters (2006-12)
Representative Honours — 4 Tests for Aus (’01), Kangaroo Tour (’01), PM’s XIII (’05,’07), 10 games NSW (’02-03,’05-08), City Origin (’02-08), Greece (2013)
NRL games: 288 Tries: 88 Goals: 122 Field-Goals: 18 Points: 614
