Anasta prepared to test the
market

Braith Anasta's manager Greg Willett says the Origin five-eighth will reject any proposed deadline to re-sign with the Bulldogs when contract negotiations are reopened on Thursday.

Willett told League Correspondent that 23-year-old Anasta still planned to open discussions with his junior club South Sydney after the June 30 anti-tampering deadline ended.

Bulldogs chief executive Malcolm Noad returns from a Greek holiday tomorrow night and will meet with Willett on Thursday to discuss Anasta's future in the NRL.

"We'll end up having to talk with Souths," Willett told League Correspondent.

"But if they (Bulldogs management) contrive some time limit and say `well you've got to sign on Friday' then we won't be able to do it."

Willett confirmed that Anasta would consider all his options, with Souths ready to open the chequebook to snare the Bulldogs playmaker and former test player.

Anasta's uncle George Piggins has gone public in trying to entice Anasta to join the Rabbitohs in 2006 on a lucrative deal.

There is speculation Souths also hope to sign Melbourne halfback Matt Orford to beef up their depth in the halves, despite the emergence of talented pivot John Sutton.

Willett, who returned from a business trip to Hong Kong on Monday, said Anasta would not think about contract talks until after Origin II at Telstra Stadium last night.

"All he's asked me about was the shopping in Hong Kong," Willett added.

"We haven't even talked about footy."

It is believed that a major talking point between Noad and Willett will be the pressure being exerted from Piggins for Anasta to join Souths.

Willett said the only expression of interest he had received for Anasta's signature was from Souths through George Piggins, whose wife Nolene played her part in trying to entice the No.6 to switch clubs.

"It was George telling us he'll get a lot of money if he goes to Souths and that was just at a family dinner that me, Braith, Nolene and George had," said Willett.

"I'd like to extend it so I can get more of Nolene's apple and rhubarb crumble."