Anasta: We need a title

parragirl · Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 3:16 pm Post subject: Anasta: We need a title

By Chris Wilson
November 18, 2007 12:00am

BRAITH Anasta wants the Roosters' No6 jersey for the rest of his career, but says he must earn it by delivering the club a premiership in the next four years.

Anasta, 25, has declared his intention to finish his playing days at the Roosters after extending his deal at Bondi.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal Anasta has re-signed until the end of 2011, a contract believed to be worth $1.5million over the next four seasons.

Anasta denied the arrival of former Bulldogs team-mates Willie Mason and Mark O'Meley had influenced his decision to remain at the Roosters.

But he was confident Mason and O'Meley would add the forward grunt to turn the Roosters into a premiership force.

The last time the Roosters made the NRL finals was in 2004, when they lost the grand final to a Bulldogs team containing Anasta, Mason and O'Meley.

"I believe in those blokes. I've played alongside them, they'll be great leaders,'' Anasta said.

"They want to win competitions like I do and hopefully they'll be as passionate as I am about the Roosters.

"I feel it is our job as the senior players to lead this club to a premiership.''

MASON DEAL

Anasta said he played no part in luring Mason east.

"I spoke to him before the s--t hit the fan (at the Bulldogs). I told him how much I'm enjoying it at the club, but I wasn't trying to persuade him. After he made the decision he rang me ... his heart was saying he wanted to play for the Roosters.''

Anasta tried to calm Roosters fans concerned that Mason could have a destablising effect.

"The odd punter and fan is a bit concerned about how his attitude is going to be, on and off the field. He'll be fine,'' Anasta said.

"He's going to be a great player for us, a great leader. We've got a lot more size, strength and intimidation, a bit of bash and barge which we've probably missed.''

FIVE-EIGHTH

Anasta said the extra firepower in the forwards would be an advantage to his game next season.
Having switched between lock and five-eighth throughout his career, Anasta said he wanted to settle in the No6 jumper.

"Because of the way I played last year, I'd love to stay at six and make the No6 at the Roosters my jersey for the rest of my career. Especially playing under Freddy (Brad Fittler), the guidance he's going to give me in that role is second to none.''

Anasta also plans to pass his experience on to the club's teenage halfback Mitchell Pearce.

"He's a great talent, he's only 18 and you can already tell he's matured a lot in a year,'' he said.

FREDDY FACTOR

Anasta said confidence at the Roosters was the highest it had been since he joined the club in 2006.

And Fittler's appointment as head coach had only served to increase his desire to stay at the club.

"We're very much alike,'' Anasta said.

"I've followed the same path he's been through and he understands the pressure on and off the field. We relate to each other.''

"I've always felt that I had my doubters but he's backed me.

"That means a lot to me and it makes me want to work harder for him and harder for the team.

"The communication is the best that I've had with any coach.''

http://www.news.com.au/dailyteleg.../0,22049,22775800-5006066,00.html

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