Brian McDermott is convinced that he can craft the strategy needed to finally deliver England its first Rugby League World Cup trophy 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 Australians—McDermott now carries the weight of the nation’s hopes for a historic triumph.
Australia, the co‑hosts and defending champions, have dominated the competition, winning nine of the last ten tournaments. They also present a formidable hurdle for an England side that has not managed to beat the Kangaroos since 1995. Despite the daunting statistics, McDermott is outspoken about the possibility of narrowing the gap and believes the three‑time runners‑up can finally make the leap to champions. "You need a plan that fits British‑based players and a squad that largely competes in a competition that looks very different from the NRL," McDermott explained.
"It has to be a specific blueprint, not a generic one. We can’t simply copy what other nations are doing. If we want to go deep into the tournament, our approach has to look different." He drew a parallel with boxing legend Tyson Fury’s 2015 victory over Wladimir Klitschko. Fury openly admitted his right hand was not as powerful as Klitschko’s and that he would not try to match him punch for punch.
Instead, Fury employed a game plan that forced Klitschko out of his comfort zone and secured the win. "Take that lesson and apply it to rugby league," McDermott urged. "The gap is bridgeable and the competition is winnable, but only if we stop pretending we can fight the same fight on the same terms." Having out‑performed candidates such as Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara to earn the England job, McDermtt now faces a tight schedule.
England’s opening fixture against Tonga on 17 October is fast approaching, and the new head coach’s first priorities will be to assemble his back‑room staff and begin contacting players. He will be undertaking these tasks from Australia, where he remains an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL.
At 56, McDermott downplayed concerns about the part‑time nature of the role. He signed a contract that runs through the end of the World Cup and expressed a willingness to stay on beyond the tournament. "Geographical distance does create challenges, but with today’s technology I can watch games, analyse footage and keep a clear vision of what we need to do," 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 be meeting players on Zoom anyway.
I’m definitely interested in a longer‑term commitment." McDermott also used the interview to address the controversy surrounding Leeds half‑back Jake Connor. Connor was omitted from the Ashes squad by Wane last year, a decision that sparked heated debate. 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 people love him, others don’t, and that’s part of the sport. We could argue about his personality all day, but the fact remains he is a phenomenal player—a real game‑breaker." Looking ahead, McDermott emphasised that England must adopt a distinctive style that leverages the strengths of its domestic competition while learning from the professionalism and athleticism of the NRL. He highlighted the importance of tactical flexibility, defensive solidity, and a faster, more expansive attacking game that can exploit the slower, traditionally more forward‑oriented Australian side. He also hinted at potential squad changes, noting that a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent will be essential.
Players who have excelled in the Super League, as well as those with experience in the NRL, will be evaluated on merit and fit within the new game plan. "We’re not looking for a carbon copy of anyone’s system," McDermott added. "We’re building something that reflects English rugby league identity while being adaptable enough to counter the Australians’ physicality and skill." The upcoming weeks will see McDermott travel between the Gold Coast and the UK, coordinating video analysis sessions, fitness assessments and player meetings. He plans to use virtual platforms for early engagement, but expects to be on the ground in England well before the tournament to foster team cohesion and implement his strategic vision.
Fans can look forward to a more transparent selection process, with McDermtt promising regular updates via social media and press briefings. He also reassured supporters that the coaching staff will be composed of individuals who understand both the Super League environment and the demands of international competition. As the countdown to the World Cup begins, the rugby league community is abuzz with speculation about how England will finally break the Australian stranglehold. McDermott’s confidence, combined with his willingness to innovate and his respect for the players’ abilities, offers a fresh sense of optimism.
If his plan succeeds, England could not only close the historic gap but also rewrite the narrative of Rugby League World Cup history. Sky Sports will continue to broadcast every Super League match live this season, featuring two exclusive live games each round and additional coverage throughout the week, ensuring fans can follow the league that forms the backbone of England’s talent pool.