Top NRL names have teamed up to launch a new fundraising initiative for former coach Daniel Anderson after he was paralyzed in a surfing accident.
Former elite NRL coach Anderson is overwhelmed by a new initiative from the competitive community as he faces his toughest test following a freak bodysurfing incident.
He was paralyzed after holidaying with his family on the NSW Central Coast in December with catastrophic spinal injuries from a bodysurfing accident.
The 56-year-old was lucky to survive after being dragged unconscious from the water and resuscitated by lifeguards and off-duty paramedics, after going into cardiac arrest.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson and Panthers counterpart Ivan Cleary, along with Eels great Nathan Hindmarsh and league chief executive Andrew Abdo, came together Monday to launch the Unite for Daniel fundraising initiative.
While on holiday on the NSW Central Coast with his family, Anderson’s life changed in an instant: a bodysurfing accident left him paralyzed
Anderson is currently being treated at the Royal Ryde Rehabilitation Center and was overwhelmed by the NRL’s support for his recovery
Anderson coached 221 first class matches with the New Zealand Warriors, Parramatta Eels and St Helens along with two years at the helm of the New Zealand international side
The league will also work with clubs to raise money for the championship coach in Round 25.
Proceeds will go to helping Anderson purchase essential equipment, home modifications, and ongoing specialty therapy.
Anderson beamed from the Royal Ryde Rehabilitation Center and expressed his gratitude.
‘I’m overwhelmed. I am very grateful. Very privileged to have had a few minutes, hours, weeks and months with the guys at the front table. I can’t thank the game enough,” he said.
Anderson shared how videos and messages of support from people around the world helped him through the darkest of times.
“It will help me get better and get the most out of it that I can, and I look forward to getting back to work and getting back into the community in the next few months,” he said.
“This is all part of my journey to what will be a new lifestyle for me.”
Two of Anderson’s protégés, Robinson and Hindmarsh, spoke of the huge impact he had on them in their playing careers, as well as how stubborn the former coach was in accepting help after his accident.
“That’s why it’s hard for him because as people we feel sorry for him, but he doesn’t feel sorry for himself,” Robinson said.
“He needs our help but it’s hard for him to say ‘I need a helping hand’ so that’s why we need to get behind him and help him because he has meant a lot to rugby league for generations .’
NRL coaches Trent Robinson and Ivan Cleary have both worked with Anderson before and teamed up with Eels great Nathan Hindmarsh and league top man Andrew Abdo to launch Unite for Daniel
The former NRL coach needs support in his rehabilitation and recovery, including specialists and specialized equipment for the home
Cleary spoke of how when he was with the Warriors in the twilight of his playing career under Anderson, the coach had transformed the New Zealand rugby league after rebuilding a club that had collapsed financially.
“We basically started from a basket case in 2001, where we were tipped a lot to finish last; we made it to the final and the next year we made it to the grand final,” he said.
Abdo paid tribute to Anderson’s exemplary coaching run as he led the Warriors and Parramatta to the Grand Finals in 2002 and 2009 respectively, and led UK Super League side St Helens to three successive deciders from 2006 to 2008, winning the championship in 2006 .
“You have made a great contribution to the rugby league family and shaped many people’s lives, whether as a player or as other stakeholders in the game,” said the NRL chief executive.
“And while the events that have occurred and unfolded before you are tragic, we want you to know that we are here and can help you.”
Anyone wishing to help can contact the Daniel Anderson Support Fund website which was set up to assist the former NRL coach in his rehabilitation and recovery.