Prominent Agent Braith Anasta Issues Unusual Warning About His Own Player During Live TV Appearance

The manager of Dragons halfback Lachlan Ilias has increased the pressure on his career, declaring on a television program that his client has just “two or three” matches left to secure his spot in the team.

Braith Anasta, a former Bulldogs premiership player who now serves as a TV host for Fox Sports and manages several NRL players, publicly admonished Ilias with an unwavering warning.

Since joining the Red V from South Sydney in the off-season, Ilias was seen as a possible long-term halfback solution.

However, within a few short weeks, both his coach and agent have voiced concerns about his performance in the media.

During Saturday’s match against the Eels, a late attempt by Ilias at a 40/20 kick sailed out on the full, allowing Parramatta to secure victory in golden point.

This incident followed just two weeks after St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan verbalised doubts regarding Ilias’ performance during the loss to the Rabbitohs in round two.

Recovering from a broken leg sustained last season, Ilias appears to be struggling to find his form, and this challenge was exacerbated by his agent’s comments that he might be at risk of losing his position in the top grade.

“He must do better; the weekend was a significant setback for him,” Anasta conveyed on Fox Sports on Tuesday night.

“He had the chance to secure the game but opted for the 40/20, and it backfired. That’s simply inexcusable.”

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“Following the Rabbitohs game, we witnessed the fallout and it hit him hard. I felt a sense of dread for him this past weekend because it must have felt like a waking nightmare.”

“I care deeply for him and am committed to his welfare, but he needs to improve. I don’t believe he’ll have ten rounds; I think it’s about the next two or three weeks.”

Currently, the Dragons hold a 1-3 record for the season, but they could easily have a more favourable win-loss ratio.

The one-point defeat to Parramatta marked the second time this season the team has faced a loss by a field goal.

Flanagan’s squad managed to lead by 12 points as the match drew to a close against the Eels and found themselves in a similar situation against the Rabbitohs in round two before succumbing 25-24.

Despite their struggles with execution in the final stages, the Dragons have remained competitive, scoring 20 points or more in every game thus far.

The only exception was their tenacious, morale-boosting victory over the Storm in challenging wet conditions.

When asked about claims Ilias has become a “punching bag” in the NRL and faces unwarranted criticism, Anasta acknowledged: “There is some truth to that, but it comes with the profession, and you need to manage it.”

“That said, it doesn’t excuse his actions. It’s not just about winning; you cannot afford to make mistakes like that. All he needed to do was execute a long kick into the corner to gain field position and possession, putting his team in a winning spot.”

“Instead, he compromised all that due to poor execution, and as the No. 7, he can’t afford to do that.”

Ironically, Anasta recently defended Ilias when Flanagan publicly questioned his performance, stating on the same program that the coach should have kept such critiques private.

“These discussions should happen behind closed doors,” Anasta remarked at the time.

“He marked a target on a young half struggling with confidence and belief. The team lost by a point, and while he didn’t play his best, many others also fell short.”

“Calling him out publicly is not going to benefit him.”

If only Anasta had taken his own advice during Tuesday night’s appearance.

On the one hand, Anasta’s assessment rings true, and no one can dispute it; however, his dual role as a media personality and player manager poses potential conflicts of interest that future clients may find concerning.

Players enlist agents to advocate for them behind the scenes, not to have their performances scrutinised in public forums.

Ilias has been named to start at No.7 for the home confrontation against the Titans on Friday night, and should he underperform again, all eyes will be on his agent’s response afterwards.

This spectacle will likely boost TV ratings and benefit Anasta’s media career, but the implications for Ilias and other players under Anasta’s management remain uncertain.