Former representative playmaker Braith Anasta has announced his retirement, calling time on a 15-season NRL career.
The Wests Tigers star is sidelined with a biceps injury, unlikely to return this season, and will enter a full-time career in the media.
Anasta debuted for Canterbury in 2000 and was a part of the side that won the premiership four years later.
He joined the Sydney Roosters in 2006 and spent seven years at the club, with the 2010 grand final the high point of his stint with the tricolours.
The 32-year-old linked up with the Tigers last year but has decided to call time on his career with 288 NRL appearances to his name in addition to four Australian caps.
He also represented NSW on 10 occasions in State of Origin and said he felt the time was right to hang up his boots.
“It obviously wasn’t a decision that I took lightly but, after numerous discussions with my family, I felt that this is the right time,” Anasta said.
“I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to play rugby league professionally and I have made a lot of great friends in the game.
“I would like to thank my friends, family, the club and everyone who has supported me throughout my career.”
Tigers coach Mick Potter paid tribute to Anasta and credited him with helping in the development of young guns such as Luke Brooks and Curtis Sironen.
“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.”
maximillian
Guest
Well done Braith, 1 of my heroes. He was an OK player so for him to amass 10 Origins, 4 tests & close to 300 games is a massive achievement for a player of his ability. Hes also pretty average in the looks department so for him to score the wife that he did is another amazing feat in overachieving. I see Anasta as an average Joe that took the lemons he had been dealt in life & squeezed the sh*t out of them to make the best lemonade he possibly could! He should be the inspiration for all average Joes out there as to what is possible when you try your best. I know Im impressed by his feats so well done lad!
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Anasta had a very good career, achieved everything in the game. The Brad Fittler-esque tag was unjust and kids shouldn't be labelled as such. Good work.
Bluebag
Guest
Anasta was over-hyped early in his career and suffered criticism for the goals media types had set for him and he never met. He's been a solid player who had some good qualities and played some excellent games in his time, without ever being my favourite. But, like guys such as Johnny Morris, I have immense respect for them for what they have given over their career. It's easy for keyboard warriors that have never played a game at the top level to be critical but you've gotta love the journeymen.
The Barry
Guest
Makes me feel old when someone I remember coming into the game as a 'kid' is retiring. Congratulations on the career Braith. He was a good player for a long time. He copped a lot if garbage about being over rated. A lot of that had to do with Barry Nelson coming out in the press and saying Anasta was the next Fittler before he had played a game. He backed it up with a cracking debut in 2000. Then being rookie of the year and a kangaroo tourist in 2001and then the 'face' of the salary cap scandal put a lot of pressure on him before he was even 20. Good luck with post retirement and thanks for the efforts.