 He grew up playing rugby league at an early age and his natural talent for the game was immediately recognisable when he was selected to play for the Australian Schoolboys side during the 1984 season.While attending Armidale High School, Anast played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 1984.He was however unable to fulfill his ability while playing in Australia where after he was signed to the Canterbury Bulldogs club in the New South Wales Rugby League premiership he played on one occasion during the 1988–89 season and eventually decided to move to France to play with the St Gaudens club.