Anderson sues Sharks
February 4, 2004
SACKED Sharks coach Chris Anderson has started Supreme Court proceedings against the Cronulla club claiming $1.3 million for wrongful dismissal and damages, The Daily Telegraph reported in Thursday's edition.
Anderson was dismissed by the Sharks late last year soon after returning to Australia from the Kangaroo tour.
Despite winning the Ashes series against Great Britain 3-0, Anderson also faces the prospect of losing his Australian job to Brisbane's Wayne Bennett later this month.
Although he had one year remaining on his contract Anderson was axed by the Sharks after a poor NRL premiership season last year.
During the year he was continually at loggerheads with the club management and received three warning letters before his eventual dismissal.
Because he had a lucrative performance clause in his contract Anderson stands to lose close to $1 million in salary and bonuses, the newspaper said.
His agreement specified engagement for a further two seasons after any year he took the Sharks to the finals.
He will also claim around $300,000 in damages for injury to his reputation as a successful club and international coach both in Australia and England.
Prominent barrister Alan Sullivan QC, the former league judiciary chairman, will act for Anderson.
Anderson is currently holidaying with his family on the NSW south coast and was unavailable for comment tonight.
His manager George Mimis confirmed the coach was determined to pursue the Sharks through the courts.
"There is a lot at stake for Chris both financially and morally and he is understandably keen to prove his point," Mimis said.
Sharks chairman Barry Pierce said the club's legal representatives had been swapping correspondence with Anderson's legal team for some time.
"We will vigorously defend any action taken against the club," Pierce said.
