Brian McDermott is convinced that he can craft the strategy needed to finally break England's long‑standing quest for a first Rugby League World Cup and to dethrone the Australian side that has dominated the tournament for decades. Appointed on Thursday as the successor to Shaun Wane—who resigned in January after a 3‑0 Ashes defeat at the hands of Australia—McDermott now carries the weight of delivering England’s inaugural World Cup victory.
Australia, who are both co‑hosts and the defending champions, have claimed nine of the last ten titles and present a formidable barrier for an England team that has not managed to beat the Kangaroos since 1995. Yet McDermott, speaking with unmistakable passion, insists that the disparity between the two nations is surmountable and that the three‑time runners‑up can finally make the leap to champions. "We need a plan that is tailored specifically to British‑based players, many of whom come from a competition that differs significantly from the NRL," McDermott explained. "It can’t be a generic, one‑size‑fits‑all approach.
We can’t simply copy what other countries are doing; the blueprint has to be distinct if we intend to progress deep into the tournament." He drew a parallel with the 2015 boxing showdown in which Tyson Fury defeated Wladimir Klitschko. Fury openly admitted that his right hand was not as powerful as Klitschko’s, and he chose not to engage in a straight‑up punch‑for‑punch battle.
Instead, he adopted an unconventional game plan that caught the champion off guard and secured the win. "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. McDermott 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 aren’t listening. We can win. We can absolutely win. But we have to do some things differently." Having out‑competed notable figures such as Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara to secure the England job, McDermott now faces a tight timeline before England’s opening match against Tonga on 17 October.
His immediate priorities include assembling a capable coaching team and reaching out to players for the first time – tasks he will begin from Australia, where he still serves as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL. At 56, McDermtt addressed concerns that his role might be part‑time, noting that his contract runs through the end of the World Cup and that modern technology mitigates any geographical obstacles. "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." In addition to his strategic outlook, McDermott extended an olive branch to Leeds’ half‑back Jake Connor, who was controversially left out of the squad by Wane for last year’s Ashes. When asked whether Connor would feature in his World Cup plans, McDermott answered 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." McDermott’s vision for England extends beyond simply copying tactics from the Southern Hemisphere.
He emphasizes the need for a uniquely British approach that leverages the strengths of Super League athletes while incorporating selective elements from the NRL that suit the squad’s skill set. This includes focusing on structured defensive patterns, developing a faster, more fluid attacking style, and fostering a resilient mental mindset that can withstand the pressure of high‑stakes matches. He also highlighted the importance of player welfare and squad cohesion.
By building strong relationships with the coaching staff and establishing clear communication channels—whether via video calls, detailed scouting reports, or on‑field drills—McDermott believes England can create a unified identity that will resonate throughout the tournament. "A team that trusts each other, that knows its role and believes in the plan, can overcome even the most daunting opponents," he noted. The upcoming World Cup will be broadcast extensively, with Sky Sports committing to live coverage of every Super League game this season, including two exclusive matches each round and the remaining five matches shown weekly. This heightened exposure will give English fans ample opportunity to follow the national side’s progress and to see how McDermott’s strategies unfold on the world stage.
In summary, Brian McDermott’s appointment signals a fresh chapter for English rugby league. By crafting a bespoke game plan, embracing innovative tactics, and fostering a culture of belief and adaptability, he aims to close the historic gap with Australia and deliver the long‑awaited World Cup trophy to England. The journey begins on 17 October against Tonga, and if McDermott’s confidence is any indication, the English side is poised to make a serious and credible push for glory.