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COACH or not, Roosters star Braith Anasta says he will continue to seek advice from Brad Fittler next season and beyond.
After less than three years at the helm, Fittler was shown the door by the Roosters this season in favour of renowned disciplinarian Brian Smith. It had been the worst season in the club's history since 1966, when the Roosters didn't win a game.
But Anasta has vowed Fittler will have an influence on the Roosters' future well beyond his tenure.
''Personally, he's gotten the best football out of me the past two seasons,'' said Anasta, who last week started walking for the first time since breaking his leg in round 15. ''He's gotten more out of me than any coach I've ever had.
''So for me it's really disappointing to see Freddy going. He's a great mate too, and though he won't be at the club I'd like to think we can keep the mentoring relationship going for the rest of my career, to get advice on where to improve my game.
''He's one of the best players ever and I'm a better player because of him. But I've still got plenty to learn, so hopefully he can help me to do that.''
The 27-year-old conceded, however, that the Bondi Junction club was in much need of discipline, and welcomed the appointment of Smith.
''Firstly, I don't think we've been as bad on the field this year as the ladder suggests, but off the field and to some extent on it there has been an issue with discipline,'' Anasta said.
''We've got the playing roster to be a top four side, we showed that last year, and hopefully Brian Smith can get the best out of the whole side like he did with Newcastle.
''I haven't had a chance to speak with him yet, none of the players have, but we know there are going to be some changes.
''Discipline is something the club has been lacking and something I think we do need to work on. And I think Brian Smith will bring that.''
Despite proving himself as one of the NRL's premier five-eighths this season, Anasta has welcomed the acquisition of former Raiders bad boy Todd Carney, and conceded he'd return to the No.13 jumper if required.
''Lock and five-eighth pretty much have the same role these days anyway and to be honest, I think it'd give me more freedom,'' Anasta said. ''Todd's a great player and with Mitchell Pearce going great at halfback, I don't see where else you could put him with Anthony Minichiello at fullback.
''Critics have always said I'm a lock, even at the start of this year, but I feel I'm a five-eighth now. I'm excited at the prospect of having Todd in the halves and being able to slot in at second receiver on either side of the field when I see something's on.''
Meanwhile, Maroons enforcer Nate Myles will play his first match tomorrow night for the Roosters since being suspended seven weeks ago for an unfortunate off-field incident.
Myles spent time at coaching clinics and visited Broken Hill for the NRL's One Community program.
''He was shattered,'' said Anasta, who also visited Broken Hill. ''He's desperate to get back on the footy field.''
COACH or not, Roosters star Braith Anasta says he will continue to seek advice from Brad Fittler next season and beyond.
After less than three years at the helm, Fittler was shown the door by the Roosters this season in favour of renowned disciplinarian Brian Smith. It had been the worst season in the club's history since 1966, when the Roosters didn't win a game.
But Anasta has vowed Fittler will have an influence on the Roosters' future well beyond his tenure.
''Personally, he's gotten the best football out of me the past two seasons,'' said Anasta, who last week started walking for the first time since breaking his leg in round 15. ''He's gotten more out of me than any coach I've ever had.
''So for me it's really disappointing to see Freddy going. He's a great mate too, and though he won't be at the club I'd like to think we can keep the mentoring relationship going for the rest of my career, to get advice on where to improve my game.
''He's one of the best players ever and I'm a better player because of him. But I've still got plenty to learn, so hopefully he can help me to do that.''
The 27-year-old conceded, however, that the Bondi Junction club was in much need of discipline, and welcomed the appointment of Smith.
''Firstly, I don't think we've been as bad on the field this year as the ladder suggests, but off the field and to some extent on it there has been an issue with discipline,'' Anasta said.
''We've got the playing roster to be a top four side, we showed that last year, and hopefully Brian Smith can get the best out of the whole side like he did with Newcastle.
''I haven't had a chance to speak with him yet, none of the players have, but we know there are going to be some changes.
''Discipline is something the club has been lacking and something I think we do need to work on. And I think Brian Smith will bring that.''
Despite proving himself as one of the NRL's premier five-eighths this season, Anasta has welcomed the acquisition of former Raiders bad boy Todd Carney, and conceded he'd return to the No.13 jumper if required.
''Lock and five-eighth pretty much have the same role these days anyway and to be honest, I think it'd give me more freedom,'' Anasta said. ''Todd's a great player and with Mitchell Pearce going great at halfback, I don't see where else you could put him with Anthony Minichiello at fullback.
''Critics have always said I'm a lock, even at the start of this year, but I feel I'm a five-eighth now. I'm excited at the prospect of having Todd in the halves and being able to slot in at second receiver on either side of the field when I see something's on.''
Meanwhile, Maroons enforcer Nate Myles will play his first match tomorrow night for the Roosters since being suspended seven weeks ago for an unfortunate off-field incident.
Myles spent time at coaching clinics and visited Broken Hill for the NRL's One Community program.
''He was shattered,'' said Anasta, who also visited Broken Hill. ''He's desperate to get back on the footy field.''
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