Brian McDermott is convinced he can craft the perfect strategy 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 new head coach of the England side, McDermott inherits a massive challenge after Shaun Wane stepped down in January following a 3‑0 whitewash by the Kangaroos in the Ashes series. Australia, the co‑hosts and defending champions, have dominated the competition, winning nine of the last ten tournaments, and they have proved a formidable obstacle for a England team that has not recorded a victory over the Aussies since 1995.
Despite the daunting statistics, McDermott is outspoken and confident that the gulf between the two nations can be narrowed and that the three‑time runners‑up can finally make the leap to champions. "You need a game plan that is tailored specifically for British‑based players, many of whom come from a competition that is fundamentally different to the NRL," McDermott explained. "It can’t be a generic, one‑size‑fits‑all approach. We cannot simply copy what other countries are doing; our strategy has to be unique if we intend to progress deep into the tournament." He drew a parallel with boxing legend Tyson Fury’s 2015 victory over Wladimir Klitschko.
Fury openly admitted that his right hand was not as powerful as Klitschko’s, yet he succeeded by employing a completely different style that caught the champion off guard. "He had to do something different. He used a game plan Klitschko wasn’t used to and got the job done. Take from that what you will," McDermott said.
He continued, "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 have to do some things differently." McDermott’s confidence is backed by a résumé that includes victories over seasoned coaches such as Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara to secure the England role. The countdown now begins for England’s opening World Cup match against Tonga on 17 October. In his first weeks as head coach, McDermott will focus on assembling a competent coaching team and reaching out to players for the first time – tasks he plans to carry out from Australia, where he remains an assistant coach with the NRL side Gold Coast Titans.
At 56, he downplays concerns about taking the England job on a part‑time basis, noting that modern technology allows him to monitor games and maintain a clear vision despite the distance. "It does pose some challenges, but with the internet nowadays I can watch games and see the vision I need," he said.
"I already watch enough Super League games without being England coach. The irony is, even if I were based in the UK, I’d probably meet players on Zoom anyway.
I would be interested in taking the job beyond the World Cup." McDermott also used the interview to extend an olive branch to Leeds half‑back Jake Connor, who was controversially left out of last year’s Ashes squad by Shaun Wane. When asked whether Connor features in his World Cup plans, McDermott responded unequivocally: "He is, for sure. Absolutely. I think the rhetoric and narrative around Jake was tremendously unfair.
I understand where he comes from – he’s liked by some and disliked by others. That comes with the nature of the game.
We could sit around a table and debate whether he’s a nice person or not, but that’s not a fair narrative to make public. What nobody can argue is that he’s a tremendous player. He’s fantastic. He’s a game‑breaker." Beyond the tactical considerations, McDermott emphasized the importance of cultural cohesion and mental resilience.
He believes that England must cultivate a distinct identity that embraces the physicality and flair of the Super League while integrating strategic insights from the NRL. To that end, he plans to introduce specialized sessions on defensive structures, accelerated ball‑handling drills, and scenario‑based simulations that mirror the speed and intensity of Australian play.
He also intends to bring in sports psychologists to help players manage the pressure of a World Cup campaign and to foster a unified locker‑room environment where every squad member feels valued and accountable. Looking ahead, McDermton’s long‑term vision extends beyond the 2026 tournament. He hopes to lay a foundation that will keep England competitive for the next decade, investing in youth development pathways, strengthening ties with the Super League clubs, and creating a clear succession plan for coaching staff.
By establishing a robust pipeline of talent and ensuring continuity in playing philosophy, he believes England can transition from perennial runners‑up to a consistent world‑beating force. Fans can expect comprehensive coverage of the tournament, with Sky Sports broadcasting every Super League match live throughout the season, including two exclusive live fixtures each round and the remaining five matches shown weekly. The increased exposure will provide English supporters with more opportunities to analyze opponent tactics, track player form, and engage with the sport on a deeper level. In summary, Brian McDermott arrives with a clear message: the historical dominance of Australia is not insurmountable, and England possesses the tools, talent, and tenacity to claim its first Rugby League World Cup title.
By crafting a bespoke game plan, embracing innovative coaching methods, and fostering a resilient team culture, he believes the English side can bridge the gap, rewrite the narrative, and finally lift the coveted trophy.