Brian McDermott is convinced that he can craft the strategy needed to finally break England's long‑standing quest for a first Rugby League World Cup and put an end to Australia’s near‑decade of dominance. Appointed on Thursday as the successor to Shaun Wane—who stepped down in January after a 3‑0 Ashes whitewash by the Kangaroos—McDermott now carries the weight of delivering England’s inaugural World Cup triumph.
Australia, the co‑hosts and defending champions, have hoarded nine of the last ten World Cup titles and present a formidable barrier for an English side that has not tasted victory over the Southern Hemisphere giants since 1995. Yet the newly appointed head coach is unapologetically confident that the disparity can be narrowed and that the three‑time runners‑up can finally make the decisive leap.
"You need a plan that is tailored to British‑based players and a squad that largely competes in a competition very different from the NRL," McDermott explained. "It can’t be a generic, one‑size‑fits‑all approach. We can’t simply copy what other nations are doing; the blueprint has to be unique if we intend to progress deep into the tournament." He drew a parallel with boxing, recalling Tyson Fury’s 2015 upset over Wladimir Klitschko. "Fury didn’t pretend his right hand was as strong as Klitschko’s.
He knew he couldn’t stand toe‑to‑toe and trade punches the same way. Instead he adopted a game plan that Klitschko wasn’t prepared for and that earned him the victory. Take that lesson and apply it to rugby league." McDermott emphasized that the gap between England and Australia is indeed bridgeable, but only if England stops pretending it can win by simply matching the Australians in every facet. "If anyone thinks I’m saying we can’t win, they’re not listening.
We can win, absolutely. But we must do things differently," he said.
Having out‑performed notable candidates such as Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara to secure the England role, McDermott now faces a tight timeline before England’s opening World Cup match against Tonga on 17 October. His immediate priorities include assembling a coaching team, establishing communication channels with the players, and beginning the selection process—all while he remains based in Australia as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans.
The 56‑year‑old addressed concerns about the part‑time nature of his appointment. He signed a contract that runs through the end of the World Cup and insists that modern technology mitigates any geographical challenges. "With the internet, I can watch games, analyse footage and keep the vision clear. I already watch plenty of Super League matches even without the England job.
Ironically, even if I were based in the UK I would probably still meet players on Zoom," he noted, adding that he is interested in staying on beyond the tournament. McDermott also used the interview to clear the air around Super League’s Man of Steel, Jake Connor. Connor was controversially left out of the Ashes squad by Wane last year, sparking heated debate.
When asked if Connor would feature in his World Cup plans, McDermott responded unequivocally: "He is, for sure. Absolutely.
The narrative around Jake has been unfair. Some love him, some don’t—that’s the nature of the sport. But no one can argue that he isn’t a tremendous player, a game‑breaker, and a key asset for England." Looking ahead, McDermott outlined a broader vision for England’s style of play. He wants a faster, more expansive approach that leverages the skill set of Super League athletes, while also incorporating the physicality and defensive discipline typical of the NRL.
He plans to blend the two cultures, creating hybrid tactics that exploit the strengths of his players and expose weaknesses in the Australian side. This includes developing a more dynamic kicking game, increasing off‑the‑ball movement, and fostering a mental resilience that can withstand the pressure of high‑stakes matches. In addition to on‑field preparations, McDermott highlighted the importance of squad harmony and player welfare. He intends to hold regular team‑building sessions, mental‑health workshops, and open forums where players can voice concerns.
By cultivating a supportive environment, he hopes to unlock the full potential of the squad and maintain focus throughout the grueling World Cup schedule. The upcoming World Cup will be broadcast extensively, with Sky Sports set to show every Super League match live this season, including two exclusive fixtures each round and five additional games each week.
This heightened exposure will give English fans ample opportunity to track the progress of their national team and the domestic league, building momentum and enthusiasm ahead of the tournament. In summary, Brian McDermott arrives with a clear message: the historical dominance of Australia is not insurmountable. By crafting a bespoke strategy, embracing innovative tactics, and fostering a united, resilient squad, England can bridge the gap and finally lift the Rugby League World Cup for the first time in its history.