Anasta ready to dominate Origin: Fittler - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Anasta ready to dominate Origin: Fittler

By Todd Balym and Anthony Stavrinos 17/06/2008 05:38:14 PM Comments (0)

Brad Fittler has always supported Braith Anasta's claims for the NSW No.6 jersey, but the Sydney Roosters coach has stepped up the campaign by claiming his star player ready to dominate the State of Origin arena.

Fittler, widely considered one of the finest pivots to pull on a sky blue jumper, has often been asked about Anasta's claims for the NSW five-eighth position but rarely has he given such a glowing endorsement.

"It is the right time of his career where he would be composed enough to really nail one of those games," said Fittler.

"(But) I don't think we can keep speaking about the five-eighth role. I am not fussed what they do. I would love for the kid to have a shot at it."

Anasta is certainly one Roosters player who has thrived under Fittler's guidance this year and readily admits he is in career-best form with his confidence at an all time high.

But the 26-year-old knows there is little more he can do to convince Blues selectors to pick him ahead of Test star Greg Bird and is happy to remain Roosters captain during the Origin period.

"I have got no message at all, it's business as usual for me," said Anasta when asked if he had a message to selectors.

"Nothing changes for me, whether they select me or don't select me it makes it irrelevant for my game at the moment.

"I just have to keep doing what I'm doing."

Fittler meanwhile defended forward Willie Mason from claims the outspoken backrower should be dumped from NSW because he often goes missing in the heat of Origin battle.

Former Blues greats Tommy Raudonikis and Brett Kenny both said Mason should face the axe after his Origin II effort in the 30-0 loss, but Fittler has ridiculed such suggestions.

"I thought he was one of their better players. I thought he ran pretty hard. It's crazy really," said Fittler.

Mason typically laughed off the comments from former NSW coach Raudonikis.

"I don't think Tommy likes me very much," said Mason.

"I might have stolen his beer at one of the pubs he was drinking at, or his (cigarettes). He is still filthy on that.

"It is just his comments. He is not a selector or a coach and it has nothing to do with him."

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