Bulldogs History Database
Chris Anderson
| Player # | 375 |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Opes |
| Position | Wing, Fullback |
| Height | 173cm |
| Weight | 78kg |
| DOB | 2nd May 1952 |
| Origin | Forbes, NSW |
| Junior Club | Condobolin |
| Debut | 1971: Round 13 vs Parramatta |
| Rep | NSW(4), NSW Res(6), Aus(10) |
Chris Anderson joined Canterbury in 1970 as a fullback.
His debut for the Club was in the third grade Semi-Final against St George before he played in the Preliminary Final against South Sydney.
In 1971, Chris became a regular member of the reserve grade team, playing on the wing and received the opportunity to play first grade against Parramatta.
He played in the 1971 reserve grade Premiership winning team against St George.
In 1972, Chris started the season in reserve grade as fullback and was able to secure the first grade fullback position from Gary Dowling by mid-season.
In 1973 he started the season in first grade on the wing but by mid-season was relegated for Max Cole.
In 1974, Chris returned to first grade replacing Don Rogers and had an outstanding season playing in City II and NSW before playing in the Grand Final against Easts (Roosters).
Chris dove over for 16 tries in 1974, breaking the previous try scoring record for the season which had been held by Morrie Murphy since 1947 who scored 14 tries in a season.
Chris spent the 1974-75 off-season playing for Widnes and played in the Challenge Cup final. He returned to Australia to be selected in the World Cup squad.
Chris played eight games for NSW from 1974 to 1983 and played eight Tests for Australia from 1975 to 1982. Chris was a member of the 1978 and 1982 Kangaroo tours and toured New Zealand in 1980.
Chris played in the Preliminary Semi-Final against Parramatta in 1975.
In 1976, Chris was relegated to reserve grade for Steve Gearin and missed the final series. In 1977, he started the season in first grade and was to remain in first grade for the next eight seasons.
In 1978, Chris played in the Preliminary Semi-Final against Parramatta and in 1979, Chris played in the Grand Final against St George before appearing in the 1980 Premiership winning team.
In 1981 and 1982, Chris's seasons were impacted by illness and injury but he returned in 1983 to be appointed captain.
Chris scored a record 19 tries and played in the Preliminary Final against Parramatta. He captained Canterbury on 27 occasions between 1981 and 1984.
Chris played most of the 1984 season before being relegated for Max Mannix and moved to England.
Chris became captain-coach of Halifax from 1984 to 1988, making the Cup Final in 1988.
He returned to Canterbury in 1989 to coach the Under 21 team. In 1990, Chris was appointed coach in first grade and coached the team for a record 182 games between 1990 and 1997.
Chris coached the first grade team to the 1993 Preliminary Final, the 1994 Grand Final against Canberra and the 1995 Premiership win over Manly.
Chris coached the team to the Preliminary Semi-Final against Penrith in 1997.
He joined Melbourne in 1998 to win another Premiership in 1999 over St George Illawarra.
Chris became coach of Australia from 1999 to 2003, coaching team for 18 Tests.
He joined Cronulla in 2002 for two seasons before the club terminated his contract early.
Chris spent time in the UK coaching with Rugby Union and has returned to coach the Sydney Roosters in 2007.
Chris was named on the wing in the Berries to Bulldogs 70 Year Team of Champions during 2004. He is also a Life Member of the Football Club.
On April 1 2007, he was inducted into the Bulldogs Ring of Champions.
Chris served on the Football Club Board from 2018-2019
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