AUSTRALIAN rugby league coach Chris Anderson is recovering at a Leeds hospital in Wigan after suffering a heart attack during the Kangaroos’ 28-8 victory over Britain in the Ashes series decider on Saturday.

Anderson, 48, has a family history of heart problems, with his brother, Jimmy, dying of a heart attack at age 49.

The attack came five days after he was admitted to hospital complaining of chest pains, brought on by a gym workout.

Heart Foundation spokesman Richmond Jeremy said the most common age for males to have a heart attack was between 50 and 65, but for those who have risk factors, particularly a history of premature coronary disease in the family, their early 40s was often the time of the first event.

“This incident illustrates that heart disease can strike anyone, even those in the world of elite sport,” Professor Jeremy said.

The players realised there was something wrong when their coach did not address them at half-time. Captain Brad Fittler said the mood in the change room had been sombre.

Prop Jason Stevens said the incident united the team: “We wanted to give the coach something to smile about.”

Assistant coach Greg Pierce, who was sitting behind Anderson when he began feeling unwell, said the coach had been under a great deal of pressure during theoff-again, on-again tour

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