Warriors Coach Brings Development Skills To New Role
Stacey Jones and Seven Other Players Named
Auckland, New Zealand – 24 October 2000 – The New Zealand Warriors have appointed Daniel Anderson, formerly assistant
coach for the Parramatta Eels, as head coach for the 2001 season.
Anderson, identified as a future coaching star by former Manly Coach, Bob Fulton, has been involved with the Parramatta
Eels in coaching and development roles since 1991, working through the club’s junior, development and reserve grade
clubs culminating in his appointment as assistant coach for the 2000 season.
Eric Watson, Executive Chairman of Cullen Investments, majority owners of the New Zealand Warriors, expressed his
delight in securing a coach of Anderson’s abilities and class.
“Daniel has all the qualities needed to make the Warriors successful,” says Watson. “He’s extremely bright, he
communicates well, he knows how to lead and motivate. He knows how to get players to think about their performance and
the game.
“Above all, he is a professional coach with top credentials,” says Watson. “As assistant coach with the Parramatta Eels,
he played a significant role in the growth and success of the club. We’re delighted to have him on board. I’m also
grateful to Bob Fulton, who assisted with the selection process and advised us of Daniel’s potential.”
“This gives Daniel the opportunity to prove himself at the highest possible level,” said Warriors advisor Bob Fulton.
“He understands the game and understands the structure required to make the club successful. He’s a coach with a great
future.”
Said Brian Smith, head coach at Parramatta, “While we’re sad to lose Daniel, every player at Parramatta is very happy
for Daniel and wishes him well. The club’s current success is due in no small way to his efforts. He’s extremely
organised and very good at motivating players and getting them to work together better. The Warriors have made a very
sound choice.”
While Anderson may not have the profile of some of his predecessors, he brings a real understanding of player
development and is committed to working to attract quality juniors to the club. His strength is drawing out the
abilities of rising stars of the future and honing their technical skills.
As well as his rugby league success, Anderson also has a solid academic background. He taught high school maths to
senior levels and brings analytical qualities to his coaching. During his time with the Parramatta Eels, Anderson
rapidly built a reputation for assisting player development and strong leadership skills.
As coach, Daniel Anderson will take over responsibility for future player contract negotiations and signings.
The Warriors have now agreed terms with ten players, representing a mix of top and emerging talent, eight of whom have
now signed contracts. Amongst them are talented playmaker, Stacey Jones, now on duty with the Kiwi world cup team, Monty
Betham, Henry Fa’afili, Awen Guttenbeil, Shontayne Hape, Jerry SeuSeu, Jonathon Smith, and Clinton Toopi.
“With an accord reached this morning, we are about to enter a further round of negotiations with players. We hope to be
able to have a full team in place by the end of next week,” said new Coach Daniel Anderson.
ENDS
Daniel Anderson
Head Coach – New Zealand Warriors
Daniel Anderson, newly appointed head coach of the New Zealand Warriors, has had an extensive coaching history with NRL
Club Parramatta Eels.
Anderson began his coaching career with the Eels in 1991 where he was responsible for overseeing the training and
conditioning of the club’s junior teams.
In 1993 he was appointed assistant coach of Parramatta’s Harold Matthews grade team. Anderson assumed the position of
head coach for the side in 1994, leading them to victory in the 1994 and 1995 grand finals and the 1994 championship.
Following this success Anderson took up full time development work for Parramatta in 1996 and coached the club’s SG Ball
grade, again leading a side to that year’s grand final.
In 1998 he became full time development manager and coached Parramatta’s reserve grade side to the finals, doing so
again in 1999 when his side took out the premiership.
After this he was appointed the assistance coach for the Parramatta first grade team, helping the team to a finals berth
in the NRL’s 2000 competition.