Super League and Challenge Cup winning coach Daniel Anderson has been appointed head coach of the Pirtek Parramatta Eels, signing a three year deal commencing in 2009.

He replaces Michael Hagan, who resigned in mid-October after two years in the job.

41 year old Anderson was born and raised in the Parramatta district, growing up in Winston Hills, and returns to the Club, where he spent a decade learning his craft during the 1990’s.

He says being appointed head coach of the Eels is a massive honour and the realisation of a long-term goal.

“I have a long history with the Parramatta Club and I consider it a real privilege to be given the opportunity to coach the team over the next three years,” Anderson said.

“I started my coaching career here back in 1991 and it’s long been a goal of mine to return. I’m a Parramatta boy, I grew up here and apart from the last eight years I’ve spent my life here.

“Needless to day I’m incredibly enthusiastic about the opportunity that I have been given and I look forward to helping the team and the Club rise up the ladder.”

Anderson’s most recent coaching appointment was with English Super League giant St. Helens, which he led to the 2006 Super League Premiership as well as three straight Challenge Cup titles.

He also tasted success in his first head coaching appointment, leading the New Zealand Warriors to their first NRL Finals appearance in 2001 and what remains their only Grand Final berth in 2002.

He also coached the New Zealand National team between 2003 & 2005.

Educated at Parramatta Marist, Anderson spent a decade coaching in the Eels system starting with the Harold Matthews Cup in 1991 and finishing as First Grade assistant coach in 2000.

He also coached the Eels to a Reserve Grade premiership in 1999.

Following success in New Zealand with the Warriors and Kiwis, Anderson was recruited to St. Helens, where he led the Saints to Finals of the Challenge Cup and Super League in each of his three seasons at the helm, winning four titles.

He also led Saints to a World Club Challenge victory over Brisbane in early 2007.

Anderson returned to Australia earlier this month and will start with the Eels immediately.

“We as a Club are very pleased to have Daniel on board,” Eels Chief Executive Mr. Denis Fitzgerald said.

“He has proven himself to be one of the best Rugby League coaches in the world having had success in Australia, New Zealand and England, and he’s also had great success in big games.

“Furthermore he’s well aware of the structure throughout all levels at Parramatta and he’s showed tremendous enthusiasm to get on with the job.

“In short, he’s desperate to win an NRL Premiership at the Club, where his illustrious career began, and we’re confident in his ability to help deliver that.”

Daniel Anderson – Head Coach

Born: 03/05/1967

Coaching Record: 169 First Grade Games. Won 108. Lost 59. Drawn 2.

First Grade/International Coaching Appointments: St. Helens First Grade Head Coach (2006-08), New Zealand Warriors First Grade Head Coach (2001-04), New Zealand Kiwis Head Coach (2004-05), Parramatta Eels First Grade Assistant Coach (2000)

Coaching Achievements: Challenge Cup Winner (2006, 2007, 2008), English Super League Winner (2006), English Super League Runner Up (2007, 2008), World Club Challenge Winner (2007), BBC Coach of the Year (2006), National Rugby League Runner Up (2002), Dally M Coach of the Year (2002)

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