Daniel Anderson will forever be beloved at St Helens.
The former Saints boss took charge mid way through 2005 and quickly developed them into being the favourites for all three trophies.
So much so, this side is often regarded as one of the best to miss out on winning the Grand Final.
They only came away with the League Leaders’ Shield in 2005 but in 2006 became only the second team to win the treble.
In fact, this team is widely regarded as the best Super League team ever and he would back that up by winning the World Club Challenge in 2007.
Furthermore, in 2007 he was 80 minutes away from a double treble winning the League Leaders’ Shield again and the Challenge Cup Final but losing to Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford.
It would be the same case in 2008 before he returned to Australia.
Anderson was working for Sydney Roosters as part of their recruitment team when in December he suffered a nasty accident that left him in hospital on a ventilator.
The ex-Saints boss was body surfing on the NSW Central Coast when he was worryingly dumped onto his neck by a big wave and that family members quickly rushed to his aid.
Anderson suffered a spinal cord injury as consequence and now struggles to move.
He has now been classified as incomplete quadriplegic.
Daniel’s friends, and with a lot of rugby league support, have opened a fund to provide ongoing financial assistance, enabling Daniel to continue with intensive physiotherapy and to purchase essential equipment and undertake home modifications.
You can donate here.
Saints have now released a statement revealing how they will support their former coach:
“St Helens R.F.C. are proud to sponsor and be part of the rugby league community that has come together to help launch The Daniel Anderson Support Fund to help raise much-needed funds for the former Saints coach.
“As part of the Saints’ efforts to assist the fundraising, with much more to come in the near future, very shortly the Club will be auctioning an exclusive half St Helens/half Penrith Panthers shirt. This shirt is signed by all the players who competed in the 2023 World Club Challenge – with all the proceeds going to the fund. Details of this auction will be announced shortly.”
