The pursuit of Bulldogs five-eighth Braith Anasta appears squarely back on the Waratahs agenda after it was revealed the 23-year-old had formally approached the Australian Rugby Union about crossing codes.

Anasta's manager Greg Willett confirmed that he had contacted the ARU, via a letter, to express interest in his client playing rugby.

"He's always stated that he'd like to play rugby one day and I think if he's ever going to play rugby now is the time," Willett told Channel Nine.

Off contract at the end of the season, Anasta is well and truly in the Waratahs' crosshairs after regular NSW five-eighth Lachlan Mackay announced a fortnight ago he was joining new Super 14 club Perth.

The 23-year-old Anasta had previously been approached by the Waratahs but was under contract at the time.

"I haven't heard back from Canterbury for a while so at this stage it looks like I'm just going to hang out and see what happens," Anasta said.

"I don't know if they (the Waratahs) are interested or not but if they were I'd definitely consider that too.

"I've played quite a bit of rugby and still follow it and still watch the games."

Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie, who will look to secure two five-eighths for his squad next season, said he was definitely keen on pursuing Anasta if he demonstrated a genuine interest in playing the 15-man game.

"That (letter) would suggest that perhaps he is fair dinkum at having a crack at rugby so obviously we'll wait and see if that is the case but the suggestions that are out there would indicate that he is serious," McKenzie said.

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