Brian McDermott is convinced that he can craft the strategic formula needed to finally secure England’s inaugural Rugby League World Cup triumph and put an end to Australia’s long‑standing supremacy. Appointed on Thursday as the successor to Shaun Wane—who stepped down in January after a 3‑0 Ashes defeat at the hands of the Kangaroos—McDermott now carries the weight of delivering England’s first global title. Australia, who co‑host the tournament and enter as defending champions, have dominated the competition, winning nine of the last ten World Cups. They also represent a formidable hurdle for an English side that has not managed a victory over the southern giants since 1995.
Despite the daunting statistics, an animated McDermett insists that the disparity is surmountable and that England, three‑time runners‑up, are ready to take the final step toward glory. "You need a game plan that is tailored specifically for British‑based players, whose weekly experience is rooted in a competition that looks very different from the NRL," McDermott explained.
"It can’t be a generic template. We cannot simply copy what other nations are doing.
If we hope to progress deep into the tournament, our strategy must be unique to our strengths and circumstances." He drew a parallel with heavyweight boxing, recalling Tyson Fury’s 2015 upset over Wladimir Klitschko. "When Fury stepped into the ring, he didn’t pretend his right hand matched Klitschko’s power.
He knew he had to fight differently, employing a plan that the champion wasn’t prepared for. The lesson for us is the same: we must devise a distinctive approach and execute it flawlessly," McDermott said.
"The gap is bridgeable and the competition is winnable – but only if we stop pretending we can simply match Australia punch for punch," he added. "If anyone thinks I’m saying we can’t win, they aren’t listening. We can win, absolutely, but we have to do things differently." Having out‑performed notable candidates such as Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara to earn the England job, McDermott now faces a tight timetable.
England’s opening match against Tonga is slated for 17 October, and the new head coach’s first priorities will be assembling his back‑room staff and reaching out to the player pool. He will carry out these duties from Australia, where he remains an assistant coach with the NRL’s Gold Coast Titans.
At 56, McDermott addressed concerns about holding the England role on a part‑time basis. He signed a contract that runs through the end of the World Cup and emphasized that modern technology mitigates any geographical obstacles. "The internet allows me to watch games, analyse footage and stay connected with the squad," he said. "I already watch plenty of Super League matches even without the England badge.
Ironically, even if I were based in the UK, I’d probably be meeting players on Zoom anyway. I’m also interested in staying beyond the World Cup if the opportunity arises." In addition to tactical matters, McDermott extended an olive branch to Super League’s Man of Steel, Jake Connor. Connor was controversially left out of the Ashes squad by former coach Wane, sparking debate among fans and pundits. When asked whether Connor features in his World Cup plans, McDermott responded unequivocally: "He is, absolutely.
The narrative around Jake was hugely unfair. He’s a polarising figure, loved by some and criticised by others – that’s part of the sport.
But no one can dispute his ability. He’s a game‑breaker, a fantastic player, and he will have a role in our campaign." McDermott’s vision for England hinges on blending the physicality and skill set of Super League athletes with a bespoke tactical framework that acknowledges the differences between the British and Australian games. He intends to harness the creativity of the English backs, the grit of the forwards, and the strategic acumen of his coaching team to produce a style that can counter the speed and precision of the NRL‑based Australians. Beyond the immediate World Cup challenge, McDermott hinted at longer‑term ambitions for the national side.
He wants to establish a sustainable development pathway, improve player welfare, and foster a culture of resilience that can endure beyond a single tournament. By leveraging his experience in both the Super League and the NRL, he hopes to bridge the knowledge gap and create a hybrid approach that maximises England’s strengths while mitigating its weaknesses. The upcoming months will see McDermott travel back and forth between Australia and the UK, conducting virtual training sessions, scouting domestic talent, and integrating data analytics into his preparation.
He plans to use video analysis tools, performance metrics, and sports science to fine‑tune player selections and game plans. Sky Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, including two exclusive live fixtures each round and the remaining five games shown weekly. This comprehensive coverage will provide McDermott and his staff with ample material to study opponent patterns, assess player form, and refine strategies ahead of the World Cup. In summary, Brian McDermott arrives with a clear message: England can close the historical gap with Australia and claim the Rugby League World Cup for the first time, but success will require a tailored plan, honest self‑assessment, and a willingness to innovate.
The journey begins with a single match against Tonga, but the ultimate goal is to rewrite the record books and bring the coveted trophy back to English soil.