Gould moots Anasta at five-eighth

NSW coach Phil Gould has all but confirmed Bulldogs youngster Braith Anasta as five-eighth for the opening game of the 2003 State of Origin rugby league series.

With St George Illawarra's incumbent Test and state five-eighth Trent Barrett ruled out for the season, his St George Illawarra coach Nathan Brown has made a push for Dragons utility Shaun Timmins to wear the Blues' No.6 jersey.

But Gould says providing Anasta is healthy and available between now and game one at Suncorp Stadium on June 11, he is the logical choice. Gould says Anasta was born to play State Of Origin and deserves another chance.

The 20-year-old was dropped after the opening game of last year's drawn series and admits he has a point to prove.