NRL in shock after Daniel Anderson rushed to hospital: 'Awful news'

Former New Zealand Warriors coach Daniel Anderson is in a stable condition after being rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney following a freak accident while surfing. Anderson, who now works for the Sydney Roosters, was reportedly dumped onto his neck by a wave at Soldiers Beach, near Norah Head.

The 55-year-old was taken to hospital on Friday, with the Sydney Roosters since confirming Anderson was in a stable condition. The impact on the Anderson's neck reportedly caused him to suffer a cardiac arrest.

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Members of Anderson's family witnesses the accident and provided first aid. He is now on a ventilator and remains under hospital supervision.

“He received immediate medical attention and was transported to hospital where he remains under the care of doctors,” a spokeperson from the Roosters told the Sydney Morning Herald. “There is no further medical update available at this time.”

Anderson has been working in the NRL in some capacity since beginning his coaching career with the Parramatta Eels under Brian Smith, eventually taking the head coaching job with the Warriors in 2001. He became a key figure in the club's history when he guided the club to their first NRL grand final in 2002.

He switched to the Super League with St Helens in 2005, continuing his trend of success by helping them to three grand final appearances and a premiership victory. Anderson would return to the NRL in 2009, this time with the Eels, and again was crucial in helping them make the grand final that season.

Anderson has been working in recruiting with the Roosters since 2019. The rugby league veteran's accident left the community in shock, with many sending the 55-year-old well wishes online.

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Anderson played a key role in the Roosters re-signing Dally M rookie of the year Sam Walker, who inked a two-year extension with the club at the beginning of December. Walker, who has played 46 senior games, is one of the most highly rated youngsters in the competition and will remain in Roosters colours until the end of 2025.

"The Roosters have been awesome for me and I'm grateful every day to be part of this great club," Walker said. "I love the Roosters and the people in it, so I'm stoked to extend my time here. I'm learning so much and I know this is where I'll play my best footy."

Walker earned representative honours this year, being named in the Prime Minister's XIII and was part of Queensland's extended State of Origin squad.

"Sam is an impressive young man and a keen student of the game who brings energy to everything he does," Anderson said of the impressive Walker, who had seven tries and 16 assists in the 2022 season.

"There's a terrific connection between him and the players around him and it's great news that he will continue to play his important role here at the Roosters in the coming years."

With AAP

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