Brian McDermott is convinced that he can craft the strategic formula needed to finally deliver England its first Rugby League World Cup triumph and to break the long‑standing Australian 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 Australia—McDermott now shoulders the responsibility of guiding England to its inaugural World Cup title. Australia, the co‑hosts and defending champions, have dominated the tournament, winning nine of the last ten editions.
They present a formidable hurdle for an England side that has not managed a victory over the Kangaroos since 1995. Yet McDermott, speaking with palpable passion, insists that the disparity between the two nations is surmountable and that England, now three‑time runners‑up, can finally make the decisive leap. "We need a plan that is tailored specifically to British‑based players, many of whom come from a competition that differs dramatically from the NRL," McDermott explained.
"A generic, one‑size‑fits‑all approach simply won’t work. We cannot just imitate the tactics of other countries; our game plan must be distinctive if we intend to progress deep into the tournament." He drew an analogy from boxing to illustrate his point. "When Tyson Fury faced Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, he was upfront about not having a right hand as powerful as Klitschko’s.
He didn’t try to match him punch for punch. Instead, he adopted a strategy that Klitschko wasn’t prepared for and that earned him the victory. The lesson for us is clear: we must devise a different style of play that catches Australia off‑guard." McDermott emphasized that the gap is "bridgeable" and the competition "winnable," but only if England abandons the illusion that they can simply stand toe‑to‑toe with the Australians and expect the same outcome. "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," he asserted. Having out‑performed notable candidates such as Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara to secure the England job, McDermott now turns his attention to the immediate task of preparing the squad for the opening match against Tonga on 17 October.
His first priorities include assembling a competent coaching team and initiating contact with the players, duties he will begin from Australia where he continues to serve as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL. At 56, McDermtt addressed concerns about the part‑time nature of the role, noting that his contract runs through the end of the World Cup and that modern technology mitigates the challenges of distance. "The internet allows me to watch games and develop the vision I need," he said. "I already watch plenty of Super League matches even without the England badge.
Ironically, even if I were based in the UK, I’d probably be meeting players over Zoom anyway. I’m also interested in staying on beyond the World Cup if the right circumstances arise." McDermott also used the opportunity to clear the air regarding Leeds half‑back Jake Connor, who was controversially left out of the squad by former coach Shaun Wane for last year’s Ashes.
When asked if Connor would feature in his World Cup plans, McDermott responded unequivocally: "He is, for sure. Absolutely.
The narrative surrounding Jake has been unfair. Some love him, some don’t—that’s part of the game.
But regardless of personal opinions, you can’t dispute that he is an outstanding player, a genuine game‑breaker." Looking ahead, McDermtt’s vision for England involves a blend of tactical innovation, mental resilience, and a willingness to deviate from conventional playbooks. He believes that by studying the strengths and weaknesses of the Australian side, exploiting set‑piece opportunities, and fostering a culture of belief within the squad, England can finally overturn the historic 1995 defeat and claim the coveted trophy. The broader context of the tournament also offers England a chance to showcase the depth of talent present in the Super League.
Sky Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, with two fixtures per round shown exclusively and the remaining five matches available throughout the week on its channels. This increased exposure will not only provide fans with more content but also give the England coaching staff a wealth of footage to analyse opponents and refine their own strategies.
In summary, Brian McDermott’s appointment signals a fresh chapter for English rugby league. His emphasis on a bespoke game plan, his willingness to embrace technology, and his clear communication about player selection all point toward a proactive approach aimed at bridging the historical gap with Australia. Whether the combination of tactical ingenuity, player talent, and psychological preparation will be enough to secure England’s first World Cup title remains to be seen, but McDermott’s confidence and clarity suggest that the journey toward that goal is now firmly underway.