Brian McDermott is convinced he can craft the strategy that will finally break England's long‑standing quest for a first Rugby League World Cup triumph and put an end to Australia’s near‑decades of dominance. Appointed on Thursday as the successor to Shaun Wane—who stepped down in January after a 3-0 Ashes whitewash by the Kangaroos—McDermott now bears the responsibility of delivering England’s inaugural World Cup victory.
Australia, the co‑hosts and defending champions, have captured nine of the last ten World Cups and present a formidable barrier for an English side that has not managed a win over the southern giants since 1995. Yet McDermott, speaking with evident passion, insists that the disparity between the two nations is not insurmountable and that England, now three‑time runners‑up, can make the decisive leap forward. "We need a plan that is tailored to British‑based players, many of whom compete in a league that operates very differently from the NRL," McDermott explained. "It cannot be a generic, one‑size‑fits‑all approach.
We must design something specific to our strengths and circumstances. Simply copying what other countries do will not get us deep into the tournament." He drew a parallel with boxing legend Tyson Fury’s 2015 upset of Wladimir Klitschko. Fury openly admitted that his right hand lacked the raw power of Klitschko’s, so he deliberately chose a different tactical approach 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.
"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." After out‑pacing a strong field that included Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara, McDermott now turns his attention to the upcoming World Cup opener against Tonga on 17 October.
His immediate priorities involve assembling a capable coaching team and reaching out to players for the first time – tasks he will begin while still based in Australia, where he serves as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans. At 56, McDermtt addressed concerns about taking the England job on a part‑time basis, noting that his contract runs through the end of the World Cup and that he intends to remain involved beyond the tournament. "Geographical challenges exist, 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 being England coach.
Ironically, even if I were based in the UK I would probably still meet players on Zoom. I would be interested in taking the job beyond the World Cup." McDermott also extended 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, for sure. Absolutely. The rhetoric and narrative around Jake was tremendously unfair.
I understand why he is loved by some and disliked by others – that’s part of the game. We could debate his personality at length, but that’s not a fair public narrative.
What nobody can argue is that he’s a tremendous player, a game‑breaker." Looking ahead, McDermott emphasised the need for a cultural shift within the England camp. He wants to foster a mindset that embraces innovation, rigorous preparation, and a willingness to deviate from traditional tactics that have previously fallen short against the Australian style of play.
He believes that by integrating analytical tools, sports science, and a more aggressive defensive structure, England can neutralise the speed and physicality that have long given the Kangaroos an edge. The coach also highlighted the importance of building depth across the squad. Injuries are a constant threat in a high‑intensity tournament, and having versatile players who can adapt to multiple positions will be crucial. He plans to hold a series of intensive training camps in both the UK and Australia, allowing players to experience different playing conditions and to develop a cohesive unit despite the distance.
In terms of player selection, McDermott indicated that he will blend seasoned veterans with emerging talent from the Super League and the Championship. He wants to reward form and commitment, rather than rely solely on reputation. This approach, he believes, will create a competitive environment where every squad member feels valued and motivated to perform at their best. Off the field, McDermtt is aware of the commercial and media pressures surrounding the tournament.
Sky Sports will broadcast every Super League match this season, with two games per round shown live and the remaining five matches each week also on the network. This increased exposure will give English fans more opportunities to follow their team’s progress and will help build momentum heading into the World Cup. Ultimately, McDermott’s message is one of optimism tempered by realism. He acknowledges the historical dominance of Australia but insists that with a tailored strategy, a willingness to innovate, and the right blend of players, England can close the gap and lift the coveted trophy for the first time in its history.
The journey begins now, with a clear plan, a committed coaching staff, and a squad ready to rewrite the narrative of English rugby league on the world stage.