[6] This was the only first grade game Anasta played in 2000, however he had a great deal of success with the Bulldogs Jersey Flegg side, helping them to a premiership victory over the Western Suburbs Magpies.

He secured a regular place in the team at five-eighth, scored 13 tries in 24 games and helped the club finish second on the ladder at the end of the season.

Despite this, his excellent form throughout the season earned him the Dally M Rookie of the Year Award and a spot on the 2001 Kangaroo Tour.

The impact was so heavy on the club that there was speculation that Anasta would switch codes and play rugby union if he was asked to take a pay cut by the Bulldogs.

[8] Despite this, the season was a good one for Anasta individually as he made his State of Origin debut, scored 10 tries and at 20 years and 145 days, became the youngest ever man to captain Canterbury-Bankstown.

[6] In 2003, Anasta assisted Canterbury in coming out of the salary cap crisis as the club finished third on the ladder at the end of the season.

Anasta was a vital player in the club's premiership season, playing 26 matches and scoring eight tries, including one in the Preliminary Final against the Penrith Panthers.

As 2004 NRL premiers, Canterbury faced Super League IX champions, the Leeds Rhinos in the 2005 World Club Challenge.

2005 was the final season of Anasta's contract with the club with Canterbury-Bankstown failing to make the top eight the year after winning the premiership.

It was in round 18 of this season that Anasta scored his first and only hat-trick to date during the club's 26–24 win over the New Zealand Warriors at Mount Smart Stadium.

[15] The departure of Luke Ricketson, Michael Crocker, Jason Cayless, Chris Walker and Brett Firman ahead of the 2006 season allowed the Roosters to table a sizeable offer for Anasta.

[19] In the Roosters' last match of the 2007 season, Anasta attracted a fair amount of media attention after he was hit by South Sydney Rabbitohs forward David Fa'alogo in what he described as a "coward act".

Midway through the season, Anasta was moved to the lock position to allow Todd Carney to play in the halves.

Anasta played in the 2010 NRL grand final and scored a try in a 32–8 loss to the St George Illawarra Dragons at Telstra Stadium.

"He has played a key role in helping develop younger players within the squad and I know that the young playmakers within the club have taken plenty of advice from him.

[7] It was on this tour that Anasta made his International debut, coming off the bench in Australia's 54–12 thrashing of Papua New Guinea at Lloyd Robson Oval on 7 October 2001.

He made his Origin debut on 22 May in Game One of the 2002 series, coming off the bench as the Blues easily beat Queensland 32–4.

[35] Anasta was promoted to start five-eighth for Game Two of the series, filling in for the injured Trent Barrett.

[36] When Barrett returned from injury, Anasta was left out of the side entirely, with Scott Hill being favoured for the third match of what ended up being a tied series.

He made his debut in a match against Hungary in Budapest, scoring four tries and kicking fifteen goals from as many attempts for a total of 46 points in the 90–0 victory.

I've learned a lot over the years, I want to mentor and help get them to the next level"[43] Anasta has been accused of a conflict of interest combining his roles as broadcaster at Fox and player manager.

According to journalist Nick Tedeschi, Anasta "has used his platform to push his clients, an obscene conflict of interest that would not be tolerated in any other sport or any other industry.

"[44] In May 2024 journalist Danny Weidler wrote this conflict was "particularly relevant when he discusses South Sydney, as he has had issues with the club due to the dropping of one of his clients, halfback Lachlan Ilias.

Weidler also alleged "Even some of Anasta’s closest colleagues are questioning his irritability and inability to handle criticism.

"[45] Anasta became engaged to model and actress Jodi Gordon in July 2011 and the couple married on 14 October 2012.