Its official - Anderson to coach St
Helens

New Zealand coach Daniel Anderson was on Wednesday appointed as the new head coach of English Super League side St Helens.

Anderson replaces Ian Millward after his fellow Australian lost an appeal against his sacking for gross misconduct last week.

Anderson made his name with club side New Zealand Warriors, leading them to the NRL Grand Final in 2002.

He is not due to arrive at Knowsley Road until early next week and assistant coach Dave Rotherham will remain in charge for Friday's game against Wigan.

Anderson will relinquish his role as Kiwi boss and has agreed to a contract with St Helens that runs until December 2007.

"I am thrilled to have been given this fantastic opportunity," said Anderson.

"St Helens is one of the great names in world rugby league.

"I am acutely aware of its proud history and its current ambition to remain one of the leading forces in world club rugby league.

"I hope to be in England as early as next week to take up the position. I know the Saints have a great set of players and are fortunate enough to have great and passionate supporters.

"I'm greatly looking forward to the challenge ahead."

Saints chairman Eamonn McManus said: "Daniel is a top-flight coach who believes in attacking and winning rugby.

"He is young, ambitious and very motivated and undoubtedly has the capability of continuing our traditions of great success at the Saints.

"He has a difficult task ahead coming in part way through the season and needs all of our support.

"He is keenly aware of the importance of our record of success and the great name of the club and is proud to be its new head coach."

Saints player Vinnie Anderson, a New Zealand international, endorsed the signing and is keen to link up with his country coach.

"It's great news for the squad and the St Helens public that Daniel has been appointed," he said.

"He's a fantastic coach, strong leader and a person of principle. He contributed a great deal to making me the player that I am today and I look forward to renewing the acquaintance."

St Helens are currently second in the Super League table, four points behind leaders and reigning champions Leeds.

Former Kiwi Tawera Nikau has made a bold prediction following Daniel Anderson's resignation as Kiwis league coach.

Nikau is currently coaching Waicoa Bay in the Bartercard Cup but says he now wants to coach the Kiwis and is well and truly capable of the step up.

He says he could do a better job than Anderson, despite Anderson's big contribution to New Zealand rugby league.

Nikau says he has got a number of things in his favour - he has just come out of the game and has a few high profile contacts who can make a difference.

Nikau has proposed leading a coaching line-up including former Kangaroos coach Chris Anderson and former Kiwis Kevin Tamati, Tea Ropati and Terry Hermansson.

He says securing Chris Anderson with his coaching credentials would be a coup for New Zealand league.