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Sometimes you just have to call it as you see it even if their club cannot make the hard when the logic is clear. Roosters legends Mark Minichiello and club captain Braith Anasta have been passengers for over two years know but continue to be selected without question every week. Fans are asking why?
It is known that both players are very well connected to key Board members who have clearly sent a memo to the recruitment and coaching staff that the two veterans are never to be dropped.
I have been an admirer of both players during their outstanding careers and I am embarrassed for them as sadly each time they play more glitter falls off their resumes.
Simply put, the game has gone past them.
No one can blame them for wanting to play the game they love, and earn the money they are paid, but it is a key reason why the Roosters have gone from last year’s Grand Finalists to Wooden Spoon contenders.
Minichiello especially plays the key fullback position and is not rated in the top 20 number ones in the NRL, while Anasta is not tough enough to play in the forwards and is not fast enough to play in the backs, and when Carney is not available at is preferred 5/8th position the Roosters look pedestrian.
The Roosters have some of the smartest Rugby League brains in recruitment and coaching to ensure that players with a “past it” stamp on their forehead are moved on, so the question begs: why are these icons being protected?
Coach Brian Smith is famous for sacking big names and Recruitment General Manager Peter O’Sullivan is arguably the most astute judge of football talent in the NRL. They would have watched every second of every game Mini and Braith have played several times over. One plus one is not two here.
Here is some text messages I received during Sundays Roosters game against the Sharks: “How bad is Mini, just terrible”, “Anasta doesnt want the football any more” and “He doesnt back up through the middle, didnt know he was playing”.
This type of communication has been regular and ongoing for a while know, and it came from a guy who is a professional punter who makes a living from betting on the NRL.
Whoever it is protecting them is not doing them any favours as they should have both retired after the Grand Final with some dignity. It is too late now, their club has lost any chance of going one better this year and we can expect to see more of the same from two guys who were once loved and admired by fans.
No one enjoys watching a champion run unplaced.
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