Anasta again proves why we wont win a comp with him at 6

[Guest]

Braith bashers are out again. I think he compliments Pearce and Carney really well. We don't need him to set the world on fire. He had some nice touches tonight, mainly when he was running the ball and not looking to ball play. People forget he is also an excellent defender, not much gets through him. He was a bit quiet against Canberra. But has been good all season

If we didn't have 2 other ball players in the team, then I would be far more critical. But it is obvious that this season, he has been instructed to do less in the ball playing department. He also doesn't kick as much as he used to. If anything, I would like to see him running the ball at pace a lot more. Because, that's when he is at his best. He had a couple of those runs on Saturday night, in which he made good yards and almost broke the line

Kramer i think your pretty close to being on the money... give anasta a break. he's going good at the moment

[Guest]

1 He had some nice touches tonight, mainly when he was running the ball and not looking to ball play.

.2 He also doesn't kick as much as he used to.

3If anything, I would like to see him running the ball at pace a lot more.

4 in which he made good yards and almost broke the line

1 there are other players that can do that...nameley backs and forwards....he is a 5/8

2 thnak christ....cos when he does

3 that would be a start though you might have to qualify "pace" in realtion to bwaif

4 yep the expectaion of a marquee player...when he breaks the line top up his salary

[BUDDY]

We signed the guy for 5 years and that was his going price at the time. Is he worth what he is getting paid now? Probably not. But that's what happens when you sign a player or coach long term. Look at Nathan Cayliss.
Off and on the field he adds a lot of leadership to a very young side. Who else is there now that Fitzy has gone?
On the field he does some good things. Maybe not as often as in years gone by but we never had Carney then. This year he can do less and pick his moments. It adds that extra attacking option when teams are trying to work out what JJ and Carney will do next. Again something we haven't had for a few years. Our attack revolves around JJ and Carney. Plenty were worried about whether the three could work together or get in each others way. Well now that Braith has taken a back seat plenty are up him for not doing much. I think he compliments the other two perfectly and is a good backup in case of injury. His defense is solid and he also seems to be our backup goal kicker. He also plays with passion for the Roosters. I think there are other bludgers in the team that we can get up.

[Guest]

1 there are other players that can do that...nameley backs and forwards....he is a 5/8

2 thnak christ....cos when he does

3 that would be a start though you might have to qualify "pace" in realtion to bwaif

4 yep the expectaion of a marquee player...when he breaks the line top up his salary

1. He can be a running 5/8. Considering Carney attacks more like a 5/8, we could do with an extra runner. Not all 5/8's are ball players, and in this instance, we don't need another pure ball player when we have Pearce and Carney

2. His kicking game isn't too bad. Would prefer to see him exclusively kick for distance, as he doesn't have the best short kicking game. But once again, those duties have been taken away from him this season. Pearce is the man for that job now

3. Braith plays well when he hits the ball on the burst. He doesn't have explosive speed. But that isn't necessary when your hitting the ball at pace. He would struggle breaking the line from a slow start

4. He isn't a marque player, IMO

5. People focus a lot of his attack. But forget his defence. Remember, RL is not all about how well you score/set up tries. You also need to stop them. Braith is a very good defender

[Guest]

What has the number 6 done?

A try assist here and there, and defended excellently.
Who would you replace him with, out of interest?

[Guest]

you've highlighted the problem with Anasta perfectly

he costs as much as those 2 you mentioned, but isn't in the same universe when it comes to ability

you have summed it up perfectly.

[theGman]

We signed the guy for 5 years and that was his going price at the time. Is he worth what he is getting paid now? Probably not. But that's what happens when you sign a player or coach long term. Look at Nathan Cayliss.
Off and on the field he adds a lot of leadership to a very young side. Who else is there now that Fitzy has gone?
On the field he does some good things. Maybe not as often as in years gone by but we never had Carney then. This year he can do less and pick his moments. It adds that extra attacking option when teams are trying to work out what JJ and Carney will do next. Again something we haven't had for a few years. Our attack revolves around JJ and Carney. Plenty were worried about whether the three could work together or get in each others way. Well now that Braith has taken a back seat plenty are up him for not doing much. I think he compliments the other two perfectly and is a good backup in case of injury. His defense is solid and he also seems to be our backup goal kicker. He also plays with passion for the Roosters. I think there are other bludgers in the team that we can get up.

Buddy, i'm pretty sure we initially signed him (same time as A.Harrison) to a 3year deal commencing 2006. During our successful 2008 run he extended his deal because he was enjoying his time under Freddy's tutelage.
Regarding his future at the Roosters.....put it this way, officials will not stand in his way if he can secure a better deal in the NRL,ESL or Rugby!!!

[BUDDY]

Buddy, i'm pretty sure we initially signed him (same time as A.Harrison) to a 3year deal commencing 2006. During our successful 2008 run he extended his deal because he was enjoying his time under Freddy's tutelage.
Regarding his future at the Roosters.....put it this way, officials will not stand in his way if he can secure a better deal in the NRL,ESL or Rugby!!!

So we signed him for 6 years. OK my wrong. I would be surprised then if he is on the same amount he was in his first three years. Whether he goes of his own accord is up to him. I doubt Smithy or Uncle Nick would let him go next year. He is valuable to the team at the moment. He has had a slow start this season but he has been solid. As I said, our attack revolves mainly around Pearce and Carney. If Smithy sticks with Carney at fullback then Anasta is our best option at 5/8 IMO.

[Guest]

still think braith better off as a ball running forward, his skills as a ball player leave much to be desired, has never looked comfortable there...

[Headless Chook]

I'm not a massive Anasta fan but I'm prepared to cut him some slack as he is returning from bad leg injury.

[Guest]

Another week. Another Anasta thread.

Is there really anymore that needs to be said from both sides of the argument?