- NRL identity spoke on Mark Bouris’ Straight Talk podcast
Braith Anasta has opened up about his mental health struggles after his father committed suicide when the former NRL star was a teenager.
The premiership-winner turned media identity said he never felt the full brunt of his dad Peter’s passing until he reached the same age his old man was when he took his own life.
‘I remember when I turned 41, and I was like, wow,’ NRL 360 host Anasta told Straight Talk host Mark Bouris.
‘It actually hit me the hardest when I was 41 because I was like, I couldn’t imagine that (the decision to take your life).
‘I had resentment when it first happened, for a long time.
‘I thought, how could you leave us? Like, how could you do that to us?’
Footy identity Braith Anasta (pictured) has opened up about his mental health struggles surrounding his father’s suicide
The former footy star (pictured, with his late father Peter) is the host of NRL 360 and also an accredited player agent
Anasta also spoke about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for a middle-aged man.
The 44-year-old, who played for the Bulldogs, Roosters and Tigers in his NRL career, remains in excellent shape.
‘It’s a kind of snowball,’ the former NSW Origin player added.
‘If you’re not looking after yourself and you’re not prioritising your own health… you get to a point where not only are you probably not looking good…you’re not feeling good.
‘You have to peel it all back and (say), now I gotta find balance and routine where I can get my fitness in.’
Anasta also stressed taking shortcuts when it comes to fitness is personally detrimental.
‘If it is waking up at 4am, wake up at 4am, get it in,’ he said.
‘If you’re not looking after yourself…you’re gonna end up in a place you don’t want to be in.’
Anasta – who often rises out of bed at 4am to train – recently revealed his impressive body transformation on Instagram
The Fox League host (pictured) has urged middle-aged men to prioritise their physical fitness
Anasta’s strict training regime has been lauded by footy fans for several years.
He recently posted a stunning physique transformation over a six-week period, where he significantly lowered his body fat percentage.
The 44-year-old is currently in Las Vegas ahead of this weekend’s season opener featuring the Knights, Cowboys, Bulldogs and Dragons.
Anasta will also host NRL 360 this year, in addition to featuring in matchday broadcasts throughout 2026.