Introducing Anderson
By Lestyn
July 28 2004
Whether or not Chris Anderson can make the transition from league to union as a coach remains to be seen, yet it is his controversial past that should have the Dragons worried.
Anderson, who is expected to be confirmed as new head coach of the Dragons today following confirmation of his Work permit application being accepted, endured a torrid time in his final season in Australia.
Controversially if reports in the Aussie media are to be believed, 50 year-old Anderson came to blows with club officials at Cronulla after they failed to back him following a disastrous to the NRL season, after releasing several of the clubs leading players. He also appears to have quite a temper, illustrated when he allegedly abused a match official in the tunnel at half time, which saw the Sharks left with a ten thousand Australian dollar fine.
Another well documented public spat occurred between Anderson and the Cronulla board, when they cut his son Jarrod from their squad for 2004. In return Anderson still in charge of the Kangaroos national side axed the Cronulla presidents' son Greg Pierce, from his role as assistant coach on the Kangaroos tour to Europe - although he denied that either matters were related, you have to suspect a conflict of interests when he replaced Peierce with his own brother-in law.
It is fairly obvious why Anderson should want a move to Britain and even away from rugby league, whether or not he will be able to completely turn over a new leave, in new surroundings, remains to be seen.