Brian McDermott is convinced he can craft the strategic formula that will finally deliver England its inaugural Rugby League World Cup championship and bring 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 Australians—McDermott now carries the weight of expectation that England will capture its first world title. Australia, the co‑hosts and defending champions, have dominated the tournament, winning nine of the last ten editions. They present a formidable barrier for an English side that has not managed to overcome the Aussies since the 1995 final.
Yet McDermott, speaking with unmistakable passion, insists that the disparity 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 specifically for British‑based players, who largely come from a competition that differs dramatically from the NRL," McDermott explained.
"It can’t be a generic approach that simply mirrors what other countries are doing. If we want to progress deep into the tournament, our strategy has to be distinct and purpose‑built for our squad." He drew a parallel with boxing, recalling Tyson Fury’s 2015 upset over Wladimir Klitschko. "Fury never pretended his right hand matched Klitschko’s power; instead he adopted a completely different game plan that caught the champion off guard and secured the win. The lesson for us is that we must innovate, not imitate." McDermott stressed that the gap between England and Australia is "bridgeable" and that the competition is "winnable"—provided England refuses to delude itself into thinking it can simply match the Australians punch for punch.
"If anyone thinks I’m saying we can’t win, they aren’t listening. We can win, we can absolutely win, but we have to do some things differently," he affirmed. Having out‑performed notable candidates such as Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara to secure the head‑coaching role, McDermott now faces a tight timeline. England’s World Cup opener against Tonga is scheduled for 17 October, and the new boss will begin assembling his backroom staff and reaching out to players while still based in Australia, where he currently serves as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans.
The 56‑year‑old addressed concerns about the part‑time nature of the job, noting that his contract runs through the end of the tournament and that he intends to stay on longer if the opportunity arises. "Geographical challenges are real, but with today’s internet I can watch games, analyse footage and keep a clear vision of what we need to achieve," he said. "I already watch plenty of Super League matches even without the England job. Ironically, even if I were based in the UK, I’d probably still be meeting players over Zoom." McDermott also used the interview to extend 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 responded unequivocally: "He is, absolutely. The narrative around Jake has been unfair. Some love him, some don’t—that’s part of sport—but no one can argue that he isn’t a phenomenal player, a game‑breaker, and a key asset for England." Beyond the immediate tactical concerns, McDermott highlighted the broader cultural shift he hopes to inspire within the England camp.
He wants a squad that embraces a proactive, adaptable mindset, learns from other sports, and rejects the notion that success can only be achieved by copying the playbooks of dominant nations. By fostering a culture of innovation, resilience, and collective belief, he believes England can finally dismantle the psychological barrier that has kept them from beating Australia on the world stage. The upcoming months will see McDermott balancing his duties with the Titans, scouting talent across the Super League, and establishing a coaching team capable of delivering his vision. He has already hinted at bringing in specialists in defence structures, attacking creativity, and sports science to ensure the players are physically and mentally prepared for the rigours of a World Cup campaign.
Sky Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, providing fans with ample opportunity to watch the players McDermott is likely to consider for his squad. With two matches per round shown exclusively live and the remaining five matches streamed each week, the coverage will give the new England coach a comprehensive view of domestic form and emerging talent.
In summary, Brian McDermott arrives with a clear message: the historical dominance of Australia can be challenged, the gap can be narrowed, and the World Cup is within England’s reach—provided the team embraces a bespoke strategy, rejects complacency, and executes a plan that plays to the unique strengths of British‑based players. The journey begins now, and the world will be watching to see whether his blueprint can finally deliver the long‑awaited trophy to English soil.