Anderson turns to Bolton know-how

St Helens are tapping into Bolton's scientific formula for success ahead of their World Club Challenge against Brisbane Broncos at the Reebok on Friday.

Saints, who have made a surprisingly poor start to the new Super League season, need to rectify their form quickly and coach Daniel Anderson is taking inspiration from the methods used at the Premiership club where manager Sam Allardyce has a backroom staff of around 20 people.

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Anderson followed in the footsteps of former England rugby union coach Clive Woodward and spent a day with Bolton's performance director Mike Forde.

Anderson said: "It was a bit of an eye-opener. I didn't appreciate the huge strides Bolton have made. There is not a huge chasm between the core elements of different sports and there were things I learned from Bolton that we can add to our own programme.

"What ourselves and Bolton are trying to do is squeeze every last ounce of potential out of our respective clubs. We understand that there are clubs bigger than St Helens and Bolton. But if you're utilising your staff and your players in the best available manner, then that becomes a very powerful tool, as Bolton have proved."

Allardyce, who first switched on to sports science during a spell with Tampa Bay Rowdies in 1983, said: "Our prevention of injury policy is certainly relevant to St Helens and how they care for their players.

"They can also take aspects of our diet and nutrition programme and our video analysis. If you can be aware of what is changing, or even better be instrumental in the change, it can give you that extra few per cent on your rivals."

Anderson wants to strengthen the links between the two clubs and has given Bolton an open invitation to visit Knowsley Road and see Saints at work.

Meanwhile, former Super League coach of the year Shane McNally has warned Australian champions Brisbane Broncos to beware a backlash from St Helens on Friday after the champions suffered back-to-back defeats by Harlequins and Wakefield.

McNally, who will coach Brisbane club Wynnum-Manly this season, said: "I would not be surprised if St Helens beat Brisbane. If not, the fans will be asking for the head of Daniel Anderson. If they perform poorly again, you have to wonder whether there are other issues out there."

Wigan's Gareth Hock and Hull KR's Iain Morrison appear before a disciplinary panel on Tuesday night after incidents in their respective weekend games at Catalans and Huddersfield.

Matt Diskin, Leeds' only recognised hooker, may be out for three weeks after picking up a groin strain in Friday's win over Hull FC. Versatile Jordan Tansey, 20, is set to take over.