Exiles happy with coach Anderson

A number of the Exiles team are pleased with the approach Head Coach Daniel Anderson has taken towards this weekend’s game against England.

The squad have only taken part in a light training session with Anderson so far, but with the game falling part way through the Super League season; those involved have welcomed the relaxed atmosphere that the former St Helens Head Coach has brought with him.

St Helens Lance Hohaia, who worked under Anderson at the New Zealand Warriors, spoke highly of his abilities.

He said: “Daniel was my first coach in the NRL and I definitely respect him as a coach. He has a good football brain and he understands we have limited preparation in terms of being fit and healthy for the match.”

Hohaia’s teammate, Iosia Soliola, who is also part of the 18-man squad, talked about how Anderson has tried to bring the team together in order to strengthen the relationship between the players and coach’s.

Sia said: “We haven’t been with each other for long, but he has tried to bring everyone together so we can get to know one another better.

“Daniel has been great as a coach, been pretty laid with the way he has handled us which is nice. He will always be held in the highest regard at St Helens with what he achieved.”

St Helens have a strong contingent within the squad with Anthony Laffranchi, Francis Meli and Tony Puletua also named in Anderson’s squad for the first match in familiar surroundings at Langtree Park, the home of Saints, on Saturday.