Anasta aims for Origin, as a forward
Wednesday, February 7, 2007 - 6:22 PM

Dumped NSW five-eighth Braith Anasta wants to resurrect his State of Origin career in 2007, this time as a forward.

A fully fit Anasta has trained at lock for the entire off-season with the Roosters after recovering from the groin surgery that crippled his first season at Bondi Junction.

"Rep football is always there and I'll always want to play it," Anasta said.

"I suppose if I'm doing my job well for the Roosters I'm going to get that opportunity."

Young Roosters halves Josh Lewis and Jamie Soward look likely to finally emerge under new Roosters coach Chris Anderson with Anasta's move to No.13.

But the former Bulldog wants to take it a step further and prove a point after he was dumped following Queensland's revival in game two of last year's Origin series.

"I've got a point to prove to myself," the 25-year-old said.

"I came to a new club and nothing went right last year, it was just a struggle here for everyone involved and I want to try and help turn things around for the club and get some personal form on the board.

"I don't have to keep trying to prove points to everyone else, I want to do it for myself."

Asked whether he had unfinished business at five-eighth, Anasta said: "No, not at all. I've played there for six, seven years and I've done everything I could in the position.

"I always thought that I'd end up there (at lock) and I've wanted to move there for a while.

"It's giving me more opportunity to play my own game and I'm just worried about my game, which is when I probably play my best.

"I'd really like to just make lock my home and do the best I can in that position."

Anasta's utility value could prove valuable to the Blues, particularly with them scratching around for a No.6.

Trent Barrett and Scott Hill have moved to England and NSW selectors will be praying ex-centres Mark Gasnier and Jamie Lyon can develop quickly into Origin-standard pivots.

Anasta said his game will still involve the creativity expected of a five-eighth.

"I'll probably take a step back with the kicking but I'll still be involved in all the creative side of things, trying to create opportunities for the team," he said.

"I'll just be more roving around the field, pretty much popping up anywhere anytime, still trying to create opportunities and as many as I can."

Source: AAP