Brian McDermott is convinced that he can craft the strategy needed to finally deliver England its first Rugby League World Cup triumph and bring an end to Australia’s long‑standing supremacy. Appointed on Thursday as the successor to Shaun Wane—who resigned in January after a 3-0 Ashes defeat at the hands of the Australians—McDermott now bears the responsibility of guiding England to that elusive gold medal. Australia, the co‑hosts and defending champions, have dominated the tournament in recent memory, winning nine of the last ten World Cups. They also present a formidable hurdle for an English side that has not managed to defeat them since 1995.
Despite the daunting statistics, McDermott insists that the disparity between the two nations is not insurmountable and that England, now three‑time runners‑up, can finally take the decisive step forward. "We need a plan that is tailored to British‑based players, a squad that largely competes in a competition that is very different from the NRL," McDermott explained. "The approach must be specific, not generic. We cannot simply copy what other nations are doing.
If we aim to go deep into the tournament, our tactics have to look different from everyone else’s." He drew an analogy to boxing, recalling how Tyson Fury, when he faced Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, openly admitted that his right hand was not as powerful as the Ukrainian champion’s. Fury didn’t try to match Klitschko punch for punch; instead he employed a completely different game plan that caught his opponent off‑guard and ultimately secured victory.
"He had to do something different. He used a strategy Klitschko wasn’t prepared for and got the job done. Take from that what you will," McDermott said. "The gap is bridgeable and the competition is winnable – but not if you stand in front of Klitschko, lie to yourself, and claim your right hand is as strong as his," he added.
"If anyone thinks I’m saying we can’t win, they’re not listening. We can win. We can absolutely win. But we have to do some things differently." Having out‑performed rivals such as Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara in the selection process, McDermott now faces the countdown to England’s opening World Cup match against Tonga on 17 October.
His immediate priorities include assembling a competent coaching team and reaching out to players for the first time – tasks he will begin from Australia, where he continues to serve as an assistant coach with the NRL’s Gold Coast Titans. At 56, McDermton addressed concerns about taking the England role on a part‑time basis, noting that his contract runs through the end of the World Cup and that he intends to remain involved long‑term.
"There are certainly logistical challenges, but with modern internet technology I can watch games and develop the vision I need," he said. "I already watch plenty of Super League matches even without being England coach. Ironically, even if I were based in the UK, I would probably still meet players via Zoom. I’m interested in staying beyond the World Cup." McDermott also extended an olive branch to Super League’s Man of Steel, 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 responded unequivocally: "He is, for sure. Absolutely. The rhetoric around Jake was hugely unfair. I understand he’s a polarising figure – some love him, some don’t – but that’s part of the sport.
We could debate his personality at length, but that’s not a fair public narrative. What no one can argue is that he is an outstanding player, a game‑breaker." Looking ahead, McDermott’s vision for England involves blending the physicality and skill of Super League players with tactical innovations borrowed from the NRL, while also incorporating lessons from other sports where underdogs have succeeded through unconventional strategies. He plans to use video analysis, sports science, and a collaborative coaching environment to tailor training sessions to each player’s strengths and to develop set‑piece plays that exploit Australia’s traditional defensive patterns.
Beyond the tactical side, McDermton emphasised the importance of mental resilience. He intends to bring in sports psychologists to help the squad handle the pressure of facing a historically dominant opponent and to foster a culture where players feel empowered to make bold decisions on the field. "Confidence is key," he noted. "If we walk onto the pitch believing we can win, that belief will translate into performance." The upcoming World Cup will also be broadcast extensively, with Sky Sports set to air every Super League match live this season, including two exclusive live games per round and the remaining fixtures shown throughout the week.
This increased visibility, McDermton believes, will provide English fans with more exposure to the sport and help build the momentum needed for a successful campaign. In summary, Brian McDermott’s appointment signals a fresh approach for England’s Rugby League ambitions.
By acknowledging the unique challenges posed by Australian dominance, crafting a bespoke game plan, embracing technology, and fostering a resilient mindset, he aims to bridge the historical gap and deliver a World Cup victory that has long eluded the English side.