Brian McDermott is convinced he can craft the strategic formula needed to finally secure England's first Rugby League World Cup crown 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 to the Kangaroos—McDermott now carries the weight of delivering England’s inaugural World Cup triumph. Australia, the co‑hosts and defending champions, have dominated the tournament, winning nine of the last ten editions.
They remain a formidable hurdle for an English side that has not recorded a victory over the southern giants since 1995. Nevertheless, an impassioned McDermott insists that the performance gap is surmountable and that a three‑time runner‑up England can finally make the decisive leap. "You need a plan that fits British‑based players and a squad that largely competes in a competition 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; the approach must look different if we intend to progress deep into the tournament." He drew a parallel with boxing, recalling Tyson Fury’s 2015 upset over Wladimir Klitschko. "When Fury faced Klitschko, he was honest about not having a right hand as powerful as the Ukrainian’s.
He didn’t try to match him punch for punch. Instead, he adopted a game plan that Klitschko wasn’t accustomed to and that won the fight. Take that lesson however you like," McDermott said. Continuing the analogy, McDermott added: "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.
If anyone thinks I’m saying we can’t win, they’re not listening. We can win. We can absolutely win.
But we must do some things differently." After out‑maneuvering notable candidates such as Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara to secure the England role, McDermott now faces a tight timetable before England’s World Cup opener 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 undertake from Australia, where he continues to serve as an assistant coach with the NRL’s Gold Coast Titans.
Addressing concerns about the part‑time nature of the job, McDermott emphasized that modern technology mitigates geographical obstacles. "It does present challenges, but with today’s internet 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’d probably still meet players on Zoom. I’m also interested in staying beyond the World Cup." McDermott also used his first press conference to extend an olive branch to Super League’s Man of Steel, Jake Connor. Connor was controversially left out of the squad for last year’s Ashes by former coach Shaun Wane. When asked whether the Leeds half‑back would feature in his World Cup plans, McDermott responded unequivocally: "He is, for sure.
Absolutely. The narrative around Jake has been unfair. He’s loved by some, disliked by others – that’s part of the sport. We could debate his personality, but that’s not the point.
What no one can argue is that he’s a tremendous player, a game‑breaker." Looking ahead, McDermott’s strategy will involve blending the physicality and skill set of Super League athletes with tactical innovations borrowed from the NRL, while also tailoring game plans to exploit Australia’s known strengths and weaknesses. He plans to study recent Australian performances in depth, focusing on defensive structures, attacking patterns, and set‑piece efficiency.
By integrating video analysis, sports science data, and player feedback, McDermott hopes to create a flexible system that can adapt mid‑match. He also highlighted the importance of mental resilience. "Australia has a winning culture, but every champion can be dethroned if the opposition believes they belong there," McDermott noted.
"We will work on confidence, belief, and the ability to handle pressure in high‑stakes moments." In addition to tactical preparation, McDermott intends to foster a strong team ethos. He plans regular camps in both the UK and Australia, encouraging players to bond across club lines and develop a shared identity.
By leveraging the expertise of veteran coaches from both hemispheres, he aims to create a coaching environment that encourages innovation while respecting the traditions of English rugby league. The upcoming World Cup schedule provides a clear roadmap.
After the opening fixture against Tonga, England will likely face a series of challenging matches, potentially including a showdown with the hosts Australia in the knockout stages. McDermott believes that if England can execute a disciplined, adaptable game plan and maintain belief in their ability to win, the historic gap can indeed be closed.
Fans can look forward to comprehensive coverage of the tournament, with Sky Sports broadcasting every Super League game live this season, including exclusive live coverage of two matches each round and additional weekly fixtures. This extensive media exposure will keep supporters engaged and informed as England prepares to chase its long‑awaited World Cup glory.