Braith Anasta under pressure to retain Wests Tigers five-eighth role
Ben Chenoweth
Published: May 23, 2014 - 1:51PM
Less than flattering statistics and pressure from the clubs youngsters has Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter conceding Braith Anastas number six jersey is under threat.
Statistics from nrlstats.com show Anasta has failed to record a try, try assist, line break assist or a line break in his past four games.
Potter has been intent on providing a stable mix of youth and experience in the side, however its been 19-year-old Luke Brooks who has shouldered the majority of the attacking responsibility - particularly when Robbie Farah has been out injured.
Panthers off-season recruit Blake Austin has been impressive since he cemented a spot in the 17 but his time at five-eighth has mostly come on the back of injury or suspension to Anasta. However, Potters decision to replace Anasta for Austin with the game on the line against Cronulla Sharks last Saturday night, could also be a sign the former Australian representative is on the outer.
The return of Curtis Sironen from injury and the decision to elevate Mitchell Moses - the teenager earmarked to be Brooks long term halves partner - from the Tigers under 20s squad to NSW Cup side this weekend, will also add pressure. Potter admitted Anasta did not hold a monopoly on the five-eighth's role.
I think theres pressure on everyone and sure theres pressure on Braith, he said. We have some young guys coming through and I think Braith actually likes that because I think it challenges him. Hes a senior player within our squad and he knows hes under pressure as do the other players. If they dont perform theres a possibility they potentially wont be in the team the next week or the week after that.
Anasta was confident he would remain alongside Brooks in the halves. I just have to keep doing my job and winning games and doing what I can for the boys and hopefully it should be sweet, he said. Theres always pressure, Ive been playing for 15 years and you have to perform week in and week out or else your job is on the line. That doesnt change, its always been that way since I started and it will be that way until I finish.
I just have to enjoy the time ... play as good as I can and make sure I finish the season in the No.6 jersey.
Austin and Joel Luani will fill the hooking role vacated by Farah due to NSW origin commitments on Saturday night against Brisbane at Campbelltown. Potter refused to rule out a more permanent shift to the halves for Austin when Farah returned. Its different for him this week and well see what in the future, he said.
This story was found at:
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...ts-tigers-fiveeighth-role-20140523-zrm13.html
