Brian McDermott is convinced that he can craft the strategic formula needed to finally deliver England its inaugural Rugby League World Cup victory and put an end to Australia’s long‑standing supremacy. Having been appointed on Thursday as the successor to Shaun Wane—who resigned in January after a 3-0 Ashes defeat at the hands of the Kangaroos—McDermott now bears the responsibility of guiding England to its first global triumph. Australia, the co‑hosts and defending champions, have dominated the competition, winning nine of the last ten tournaments. They present a formidable barrier for an England side that has not managed to overcome the Aussies since the 1995 final.
Yet McDermott, speaking with palpable passion, insists that the disparity between the two nations is surmountable and that England, three‑time runners‑up, are ready to take the final step toward glory. "We need a plan that is tailored specifically for British‑based players, a squad that largely competes in a competition very different from the NRL," McDermsson explained. "It can’t be a generic approach. We cannot simply copy what other countries are doing; the blueprint has to be unique if we intend to progress deep into the tournament." He drew a parallel with boxing, recalling Tyson Fury’s 2015 upset over Wladimir Klitschko.
"Fury never pretended his right hand was as powerful 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 the same: we must innovate, not imitate." McDermott stressed that the gap between England and Australia is "bridgeable" and that the competition is "winnable," but only if England refuses to stand in front of a metaphorical Klitschko and convince itself it is equally strong. "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 said. After besting a field that included former England coaches 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 include assembling a coaching team, establishing communication channels with players, and doing much of this work from his base in Australia, where he remains an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans. Addressing concerns about the part‑time nature of the role, the 56‑year‑old explained that modern technology mitigates geographic obstacles.
"The internet allows me to watch games, analyse footage and stay connected with the squad. I already watch plenty of Super League matches without being England coach.
Even if I were based in the UK, I’d probably be meeting players on Zoom anyway," he said. He also indicated a desire to remain in the position beyond the World Cup, suggesting a long‑term vision for England’s development. McDermott also used the interview to extend an olive branch to Leeds’ Man of Steel, Jake Connor, who was controversially left out of the Ashes squad by Shaun Wane last year.
When asked if Connor would feature in his World Cup plans, McDermott replied unequivocally, "He is, for sure. Absolutely." He criticised the media narrative surrounding Connor, describing it as unfair and noting that public debate over a player’s personality should not eclipse his on‑field contributions.
"What nobody can argue is that he’s a tremendous player. He’s a game‑breaker." Beyond the tactical and personnel aspects, McDermott highlighted the broader context of the tournament.
The World Cup will be broadcast extensively, with Sky Sports committing to live coverage of every Super League match this season, including two exclusive live fixtures per round and additional games throughout the week. This increased visibility, he believes, will provide England with a platform to showcase its progress and inspire a new generation of fans.
In summary, McDermott’s message is clear: England must craft a bespoke strategy, embrace innovation, and reject the notion that they must simply match Australia pound for pound. By acknowledging their unique strengths, leveraging modern communication tools, and giving deserving players like Jake Connor a fair chance, the new head coach believes England can finally bridge the historic gap and lift the Rugby League World Cup for the first time in its history.