Daniel Anderson shows spirit in face of adversity

Saints CEO Mike Rush is on the organising committee alongside chief executives from Parramatta Eels, Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors with the rugby league community coming together on both sides of the world to help launch The Daniel Anderson Support Fund.

A fundraising initiative has been launched to help the 56-year-old and his family with essential equipment, home modifications and specialist physiotherapy.

Coach Paul Wellens was part of the club delegation, also featuring Mike Rush and chairman Eamonn McManus, who went to visit Daniel in hospital in February during the World Club Challenge.

Wellens said: “When we went to see him in hospital in Sydney and could not be anything but inspired by his mental approach.

“Obviously, it’s a horrific injury that he has suffered and the accident was so unfortunate.

“But Daniel, pretty much like when he was here as a coach, deals with what is in front of him.

“He assesses the situation and formulates a plan on how to move forward.

“I think that’s really how he has approached the situation.

“He has such a wonderful support network with his wife Natalie being such a wonderful person as well.

“They are all there to help him and that support network is important.

“But he’s looking to make progress.”

Daniel came to Saints in May 2005 after the sacking of Ian Millward and in his three-and-a-half years he guided Saints to four League Leaders Shields, a Super League title, a World Club Challenge and three consecutive Challenge Cups.

Wellens, who won the Steve Prescott Man of Steel, the Harry Sunderland and a couple of Lance Todds during that spell, has remained in contact with his former boss – and despite the battle he faces he still had time to pass on rugby advice.

Wellens said: “I was speaking to Daniel on the phone about the stuff that he’s going through but he was more interested in trying to help me and talk to me about coaching.

“It’s a real sign of him as a man.

“He’s always been a great bloke someone who I have had the utmost respect for and someone I will continue to stay in touch with.

“His rugby knowledge is still incredible and what he knows about teams and players is things like that is outstanding.”

The club have already started with their support – and the raffling of an autographed half and half Saints and Penrith shirt is just the start.

Given Daniel’s popularity in the town – and the impression that he and his family made here between 2005-08 – St Helens will be chipping in their bit to assist in this campaign.

Wellens said: “It is very difficult when you are on the other side of the world to do much to help directly, but certainly he’s held in such a high regard here in St Helens that I am sure we can try and get our heads together to do something to raise significant funds for him.

“We have seen a number of people come from Australia over the years, but what you want is people to come here and embrace not just the club or the team but what the town and community is about.

“I think Daniel did all of that with his family. And when you do that and you build that connection I don’t think that ever goes and even though he is 12,000 miles away they still feel that love for St Helens like they did when they were here.

“I think sometimes people talk a lot of trash about our town but when you can make an impression on people from far away, I think it says a lot about what this town can offer.”

To find out how you can support and contribute to the Daniel Anderson Support Fund, visit danielandersonfund.com.au.