In truth, the Australian coach is unlikely to be on the losing side when the world champions play Great Britain in a three-Test series in November.

But his departure from top NRL side Melbourne Storm back in April will have alerted him to the dangers of over-confidence.

Anderson has enjoyed success after success since he took over from Wayne Bennett as national coach in March 1999.

Under his watchful eye, Australia lived up to their label as rugby league's finest by lifting yet another World Cup a year ago.

And this summer, they proved that they are still unchallenged at the top by defeating close rivals New Zealand 28-10 in the annual Anzac Test.

It could be argued that with an almost endless supply of talented players at Australia's disposal almost anyone could steer the country to victory.

But Anderson, who has a proven track record as both a player and a coach, is not just anyone.

He is one of the most respected figures in rugby league.

Australian club Canterbury-Bankstown have a special place in their heart for the former Test winger.

He played 232 games for the Bulldogs between 1970 and 1984, and still holds the club record for the most tries scored in a season - 19 in 1983.

He also won 15 caps for Australia and was part of the famous "Invincibles" side which came to Britain and left undefeated in 1982.

But it was not until 1990 that he returned to the Bulldogs, having earned his coaching stripes with Halifax Blue Sox on the other side of the world.

If Anderson's relationship with Canterbury-Bankstown can be described as a love affair, then Halifax was his mistress in Britain.

In 1986, he steered the Blue Sox to the league championship title and helped them win the Challenge Cup the following year.

Returning to Australia, he took over the reigns at Canterbury-Bankstown, guiding them to the Premiership in 1995.