Brian McDermott is convinced that he can craft the right strategy to finally break England's long‑standing quest for a first Rugby League World Cup and put an end to Australia’s historic supremacy. Having been appointed on Thursday as the successor to Shaun Wane—who stepped down in January after a 3‑0 Ashes defeat at the hands of the Kangaroos—McDermott now carries the weight of delivering England’s inaugural World Cup triumph.
Australia, the co‑hosts and defending champions, have dominated the tournament, winning nine of the last ten editions. They also present a formidable barrier for an English side that has not managed a victory over the southern giants since 1995. Yet McDermott, speaking with palpable passion, insists that the disparity is not insurmountable and that the three‑time runners‑up can finally make the decisive leap.
"You need a plan that reflects the realities of British‑based players, many of whom come from a competition that operates very differently to the NRL," McDermott explained. "It has to be a specific, tailored approach—not a generic template. We can’t simply copy what other nations are doing; if we want to go deep into the tournament, our game plan must look distinct from everyone else's." He drew a parallel to boxing, recalling Tyson Fury’s 2015 upset over Wladimir Klitschko.
"Fury never pretended his right hand was as strong as Klitschko’s. He knew he couldn’t stand toe‑to‑toe and trade punches in the same way.
Instead, he devised a completely different strategy that caught Klitschko off guard and secured the win. The lesson for us is clear: we must innovate, not imitate." McDermott added, "The gap between us and Australia is bridgeable, and the competition is winnable—but only if we stop pretending we are as strong as they are in every facet. If anyone thinks I’m saying we can’t win, they aren’t listening. We can win, absolutely, but we have to do things differently." After out‑pacing a roster that included Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara to claim the England job, McDermott now faces a tight timetable.
England’s opening World Cup match against Tonga is slated for 17 October, and the new head coach’s first priorities will be assembling his backroom staff and reaching out to players for the initial squad discussions. He will conduct much of this work from Australia, where he continues to serve as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL. Addressing concerns about the part‑time nature of the role, McDermtt noted that modern technology mitigates geographic hurdles. "The internet lets me watch games and absorb the vision I need," he said.
"I already keep up with Super League fixtures without being England coach. Ironically, even if I were based in the UK, I would probably still be meeting players on Zoom.
I’m also interested in staying beyond the World Cup if the opportunity arises." In a show of goodwill toward Super League’s Man of Steel, Jake Connor, who was controversially left out of the Ashes squad by Wane last year, McDermott confirmed the Leeds half‑back is firmly in his plans. "He is definitely in the mix," McDermtt said. "The narrative around Jake has been unfairly polarized—some love him, some don’t, and that’s part of the sport. But the truth is he is an exceptional talent, a game‑breaker, and his inclusion will only strengthen our side." Beyond the tactical and personnel aspects, McDermtt emphasized the cultural shift required to compete with Australia’s seasoned professionals.
He highlighted the need for England players to adopt a more aggressive defensive structure, improve handling speed, and cultivate a winning mentality that can thrive under pressure. He also underscored the importance of nurturing young talent from the Super League and Championship, integrating them with experienced internationals to create a balanced squad capable of adapting mid‑game. Looking ahead, McDermtt is optimistic about the broader impact of a successful campaign. A World Cup victory would not only rewrite England’s rugby league history but also boost the sport’s profile domestically, encouraging greater grassroots participation and attracting new sponsorship.
He believes that a win could spark a virtuous cycle: higher public interest leading to increased funding, which in turn would improve coaching, facilities, and player development pathways. While the road to Paris 2025 remains steep, McDermtt’s confidence is grounded in concrete steps: a clear, customized game plan; strategic use of technology to bridge distance; an inclusive selection policy that rewards merit; and a willingness to innovate rather than imitate. As the countdown to the Tonga opener ticks down, England fans can expect a coach who is not only aware of the challenges but also prepared to meet them head‑on, armed with a vision that could finally bring the coveted Rugby League World Cup home.