Wests Tigers utility Braith Anasta has today officially announced that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2014 National Rugby League season.
The 32-year-old is currently sidelined with a bicep injury and looks unlikely to return to the field this season.
Anasta made his NRL debut for the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2000, winning a premiership with the Club in 2004, before moving to the Sydney Roosters in 2006 and eventually the Wests Tigers at the start of 2013.
During his stellar career, Anasta played a total of 288 NRL games and achieved success on a representative level for both Australia and New South Wales.
Anasta said while it was a tough decision to make, he feels that it was the right call after 15 seasons in the top grade.
“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.”
Head Coach Mick Potter said: “During his two seasons at the Wests Tigers, Braith has been a real asset both on and off the field.
“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.”
Wests Tigers CEO Grant Mayer said: “Braith has been a true statesman of the game and a wonderful player over a number of years.
“He has achieved great success throughout his career, including a premiership with the Bulldogs in 2004.
“His leadership at the Wests Tigers has been invaluable during a time when the Club has been working hard on developing young players.
“I would like to congratulate Braith on a great career and I wish him well in the future.”
Braith Anasta
Junior Club: Maroubra
NRL Debut: Bulldogs v Parramatta, Parramatta Stadium, Rd 18, 2/6/2000
Wests Tigers debut: v Newcastle, Hunter Stadium, 11/3/2013 (Rd 1)
Previous Clubs: Bulldogs (2000-2005), Sydney Roosters (2006-12)
Representative Honours: 4 Tests for Aus (’01), Kangaroo Tour (’01), PM’s XIII (’05,’07), 10 games NSW (’02-03,’05-08), City Origin (’02-08), Greece (2013)
NRL games: 288 Tries: 88 Goals: 122 Field-Goals: 18 Points: 614
