The Bachelor Australia: Braith Anasta reveals why he turned down $500K to be the leading man on matchmaking show – after ‘fling’ with Pip Edwards

Braith Anasta has revealed why he turned down the once-in-a-lifetime chance to be Australia’s new Bachelor.

The former NRL star, 41, was rumoured to have been offered $500,000 to be Channel Ten’s new leading man, but turned it down earlier this year.

Now, the Fox League’s NRL 360 host has finally revealed to Stellar magazine the real reason he chose not to go on the matchmaking show.

‘That figure was a little bit exaggerated, but it was going to be a significant amount. And that’s tempting, especially when you go through a separation,’ he said.

The footy player-turned-television presenter split from his fiancée, personal trainer Rachael Lee, last November.

He and Rachael share their daughter Gigi, five, while Braith also shares his eldest daughter Aleeia, nine, with his ex-wife actor Jodi Gordon. 

Despite being open to finding love again, the hunky athlete said the money wasn’t worth going on a television show to find love. 

‘I was a bit concerned about how people’s perception of me could change because of the show,’ he said.

He continued: ‘I know I’m a good person, but I’ve worked really hard on my image. [Through my hosting of NRL 360] people get to know the real person I am.’

Braith went on to say he also didn’t want to spent all that time away from his two daughters who spend time with him during the week. 

Despite being open to finding love again, the hunky athlete said the money wasn’t worth going on a television show to find love. Pictured: The Bachelor host Osher Günsberg 

He put the nail in the coffin by adding that he wanted to find another partner ‘the organic way’ and doesn’t need the help of a TV show to fall in love.  

It comes just weeks after The Daily Telegraph reported Braith recently had a brief fling with P.E Nation co-founder Pip Edwards which ended after a couple months.

An insider told the publication: ‘Pip and Braith know one another from both being a part of Sydney’s social scene.

‘After spending a little more time together recently, they hit it off and started dating.

‘They were hot and heavy for a short period of time, but it just didn’t work and ended up being over before it began.’

It comes just weeks after The Daily Telegraph reported Braith recently had a brief fling with P.E Nation co-founder Pip Edwards, 43, (pictured) which ended after a couple months