Brian McDermott is convinced that he can craft the strategic formula needed to finally deliver England’s long‑awaited Rugby League World Cup victory and put an end to Australia’s historic dominance. Appointed on Thursday as the successor to Shaun Wane—who stepped down in January after a 3-0 Ashes whitewash at the hands of the Kangaroos—McDermott now carries the weight of expectation that England will break its 30‑year drought and lift the trophy for the first time.
Australia, the co‑hosts and defending champions, have won nine of the last ten World Cups and remain a formidable hurdle. England has not beaten the southern giants since the 1995 final, a fact that underscores the enormity of the task ahead. Yet McDermott, speaking with characteristic passion, insists the gulf between the two nations is not insurmountable and that the three‑time runners‑up can finally make the decisive leap.
"We need a plan that is tailored to British‑based players, many of whom compete in a league that operates very differently from the NRL," McDermott explained. "It can’t be a generic, one‑size‑fits‑all approach.
We have to design something specific to our strengths and our circumstances. Copying what other nations do won’t get us far, especially if we intend to go deep into the tournament." He drew an analogy to the 2015 boxing showdown when Tyson Fury dethroned Wladimir Klitschko.
"Fury was unapologetic about not having a right hand as powerful as Klitschko’s. He didn’t try to match him punch for punch; instead he employed a game plan that Klitschko wasn’t prepared for and that earned him the win. The lesson for us is simple: we must do things differently if we want to succeed." McDermott emphasized that the gap is "bridgeable" and the competition "winnable," but only if England stops pretending it can simply stand toe‑to‑toe with a powerhouse and expect the same result. "If anyone thinks I’m saying we can’t win, they’re not listening.
We can win. We absolutely can win, but we have to change the way we approach the game." Having out‑performed notable candidates such as Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara to secure the head‑coach role, McDermott now faces a tight timeline. England’s opening match against Tonga on 17 October is fast approaching, and the new coach’s first priorities will be to assemble his back‑room staff and begin contacting players.
He will carry out those duties from Australia, where he currently serves as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL. Addressing concerns about the part‑time nature of the role, McDermott noted that his contract runs through the end of the World Cup and that modern technology mitigates any geographic obstacles. "The internet allows me to watch games, analyse footage and stay connected with the squad," he said. "Even if I were based in the UK, I would probably be meeting players over Zoom anyway.
I’m also interested in staying on beyond the tournament, so this is not just a short‑term gig for me." In a gesture aimed at rebuilding relationships, McDermott also extended an olive branch to Leeds’ half‑back Jake Connor, who was controversially left out of the Ashes squad by Wane last year. When asked whether Connor would feature in his World Cup plans, McDermott replied unequivocally, "He is, absolutely. The narrative surrounding Jake has been unfair. Some love him, some don’t—that’s part of the sport.
What cannot be disputed is his talent. He’s a game‑breaker and a tremendous player." Beyond the tactical and personnel considerations, McDermott highlighted the broader cultural shift required within English rugby league.
He stressed the importance of fostering a mindset that embraces innovation, resilience, and a willingness to deviate from traditional play‑styles that have historically favoured Australian dominance. By integrating analytical tools, sports science, and a more fluid attacking structure, he believes England can create a competitive edge. The upcoming World Cup will also be broadcast extensively on Sky Sports, which will air every Super League match live this season, including two exclusive fixtures each round and the remaining five matches each week. This heightened visibility offers both a platform for the England squad to showcase their progress and an opportunity for fans to engage with the sport on a deeper level.
In summary, Brian McDermott arrives with a clear message: the distance between England and Australia can be closed, and the World Cup is within reach, provided the team adopts a bespoke strategy, embraces change, and leverages the strengths of its home‑grown talent. With a decisive opening game against Tonga looming, the new coach’s preparations will be scrutinised closely, but his confidence and willingness to think outside the box may prove to be the catalyst England needs to finally lift the coveted trophy.