Overlooked Anasta given Roosters captaincy

AAP | 14/05/08 | 0

AUDIO - Blues selectors mull over the tough five-eighth decision

Braith Anasta's NSW Origin snubbing has come with something of a silver lining - the captaincy of the Sydney Roosters this weekend.

With regular captain Craig Fitzgibbon surprisingly recalled to NSW for next week's clash with Queensland, Anasta was named captain by coach Brad Fittler in a sign of the 26-year-old's leadership credentials at Bondi.

Anasta was unlucky to miss out on a Blues recall himself, with NSW selectors opting to keep Australian five-eighth Greg Bird in the No.6 jumper.

Instead of spending the week in Origin camp Anasta will lead the Roosters against the Eels at Parramatta Stadium this Friday.

The Roosters are without almost their entire starting forward pack with backrowers Fitzgibbon, Willie Mason and Anthony Tupou in the Blues side and prop Nate Myles picked for Queensland.

The Eels have no such concerns after centre Jarryd Hayne was the only player picked for rep duty, with Nathan Hindmarsh bizarrely dropped and Brett Finch overlooked for the halfback position.