Brian McDermott is convinced he can craft the blueprint that will finally deliver England its inaugural Rugby League World Cup crown and break Australia’s long‑standing hegemony. 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 bears the responsibility of guiding England to its first tournament triumph. Australia, the co‑hosts and defending champions, have dominated the competition, winning nine of the last ten World Cups. For England, who have not bested the Aussies since the 1995 final, the challenge appears formidable.
Yet McDermott, speaking with palpable passion, insists the disparity is surmountable and that the three‑time runners‑up can finally make the decisive leap. "We need a strategy that reflects the realities of British‑based players and a squad that largely competes in a system very different from the NRL," McDermott explained. "It can’t be a generic, one‑size‑fits‑all approach. We can’t simply copy what other nations are doing; the plan must be uniquely ours if we hope to progress deep into the tournament." He drew a parallel with boxing legend Tyson Fury’s 2015 upset over Wladimir Klitschko.
"Fury didn’t pretend his right hand was as strong as Klitschko’s. He knew he couldn’t match him punch for punch, so he devised a completely different game plan and it worked. The lesson for us is simple: we must innovate, not imitate." McDermott emphasized that the gap between England and Australia is "bridgeable" and the competition "winnable," but only if the team abandons the illusion that they can simply stand toe‑to‑toe with the Australians without adapting.
"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 the likes of Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara in the selection process, McDermott now faces a tight timetable.
England’s opening World Cup match is scheduled for 17 October against Tonga, and the new coach’s immediate priorities include assembling his backroom staff and reaching out to players for the first time. He will be undertaking these duties from Australia, where he continues as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL. At 56, McDermott downplayed concerns about the part‑time nature of the role, noting that modern technology mitigates geographical obstacles.
"The internet allows me to watch games and absorb the vision I need," he said. "I already watch plenty of Super League fixtures 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 also interested in staying beyond the World Cup if the opportunity arises." McDermott also addressed the controversy surrounding Leeds half‑back Jake Connor, who was omitted from the Ashes squad by Wane last year.
When asked whether Connor features in his World Cup plans, McDermott responded unequivocally: "He is, for sure. Absolutely.
The narrative around Jake was unfair. He’s a polarising figure—some love him, some don’t—but that’s the nature of sport.
What cannot be disputed is his talent. He’s a game‑breaker, a fantastic player." Beyond the tactical considerations, McDermott highlighted the broader cultural shift required within the England set‑up. He stressed the importance of fostering a resilient mindset, encouraging players to embrace their unique strengths rather than trying to emulate the Australian style of play.
By cultivating a distinct English identity—rooted in the physicality of the Super League but enhanced with strategic innovations drawn from other codes—he believes the team can surprise the favorites. The upcoming months will see McDermott travel between the Gold Coast and the UK, conducting virtual training sessions, reviewing video analysis, and building relationships with club coaches across the Super League. He plans to integrate sports psychologists, performance analysts, and conditioning experts into his staff to ensure that England is not only tactically prepared but also mentally and physically primed for the rigors of a World Cup campaign. In addition to the on‑field preparations, McDermott is keen to engage with fans and media, aiming to create a narrative of optimism and belief.
He acknowledges the weight of history—Australia’s dominance, England’s near‑misses—but insists that belief is a tangible asset. "When you walk onto the field knowing you have a clear, bespoke plan and a squad that trusts the process, the odds shift in your favour," he said. The tournament will be broadcast extensively, with Sky Sports slated to show every Super League match live this season, including two exclusive fixtures each round and additional coverage throughout the week. This heightened visibility, McDermott believes, will provide England players with a platform to showcase their evolution and inspire the next generation of rugby league talent in the UK.
In summary, Brian McDermott’s appointment signals a fresh strategic direction for England’s World Cup ambitions. By rejecting a copy‑cat approach, embracing technological tools, and championing a uniquely British style of play, he aims to narrow the historical gap with Australia and steer England toward its long‑awaited first Rugby League World Cup victory.