Anderson elated by new Saints mission

St Helens have confirmed Daniel Anderson as their new coach on a two and a half year contract, but their caretaker, Dave Rotheram, will remain in charge for this Saturday's fixture at Widnes.

St Helens have confirmed Daniel Anderson as their new coach on a two and a half year contract, but their caretaker, Dave Rotheram, will remain in charge for this Saturday's fixture at Widnes.

The Australian-born coach of New Zealand, who has been released from the remainder of that contract, will arrive next week to succeed Ian Millward, who was sacked for gross misconduct.

"I am thrilled to have been given this fantastic opportunity," Anderson said. "I can't guarantee perfection, but I can guarantee effort, motivation and perseverance."

The Saints' chairman, Eamonn McManus, who has withdrawn his claim that the club's former players, Darren Britt and Peter Shiels, supported the decision to sack Millward, said: "Daniel is a top-flight coach, who believes in attacking and winning rugby. He is young, ambitious and very motivated."

One of the club's New Zealand internationals, the unrelated Vinnie Anderson, who has played under him for club and country, also welcomed the appointment. "He's a fantastic coach, a strong leader and a person of principle," he said. "He contributed a great deal to making me the player I am today."

Along with another Kiwi Test player, Willie Talau, Anderson will be fit to return for Saints at Widnes, Rotheram's last game in charge before reverting to No 2 to for the following weekend's match against Leeds. "It's great news," he said of Anderson's impending arrival. "It's a great appointment for Saints and the game in this country."

Leeds' Danny McGuire is back in their squad for Friday's game against Leigh after recovering from a broken hand, along with Marcus Bai, who has been in Papua New Guinea on compassionate leave.