Brian McDermott is convinced that he can engineer the strategy needed to finally deliver England’s inaugural Rugby League World Cup victory and break Australia’s long‑standing stranglehold on the tournament. Appointed on Thursday as the successor to Shaun Wane—who resigned in January after a 3‑0 Ashes defeat to the Kangaroos—McDermott now bears the responsibility of turning England’s perennial near‑misses into a historic triumph.
Australia, the co‑hosts and defending champions, have claimed nine of the past ten World Cups and remain a formidable barrier for a side that has not bested the southern giants since 1995. Yet McDermott, speaking with palpable passion, insists the disparity between the two nations is surmountable and that England, three‑time runners‑up, are ready to take the final leap. "We need a plan that reflects the realities of British‑based players and a competition that looks very different from the NRL," McDermott explained.
"It can’t be a generic blueprint that simply mimics what other countries are doing. If we want to go deep into the tournament, our approach has to be uniquely ours." He drew a parallel with boxing legend Tyson Fury’s 2015 upset over Wladimir Klitschko. Fury never pretended his right hand matched the champion’s power; instead, he adopted a completely different game plan that caught Klitschko off‑guard. "When Fury stepped into the ring, he knew he couldn’t rely on raw strength alone.
He had to innovate, and he did," McDermott said. "The same principle applies to us. The gap is bridgeable, but only if we stop pretending we can win by playing the same game as the Australians." Having out‑performed candidates 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 World Cup match against Tonga on 17 October. His immediate priorities include assembling a coaching team, reaching out to players for the first time, and doing all of this while still based in Australia as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans.
The 56‑year‑old addressed concerns about a part‑time arrangement, noting that modern technology mitigates geographic hurdles. "The internet allows me to watch games, analyse footage and keep a clear vision of what we need to achieve," he said. "Even if I were in the UK, I would probably be meeting players on Zoom anyway. I’m committed to the role beyond the World Cup and see this as a long‑term partnership." McDermott also used the interview to clear the air around Leeds’ half‑back Jake Connor, who was controversially left out of the Ashes squad by Wane last year.
When asked if Connor would feature in his World Cup plans, McDermott responded unequivocally: "He is definitely in the mix. The narrative surrounding Jake has been unfair and overly politicised. He is a world‑class player, a genuine game‑breaker, and his talent speaks for itself." Looking ahead, McDermott emphasised that England must cultivate a distinct identity that leverages the strengths of the Super League while respecting the different style of play seen in the NRL.
He highlighted the importance of disciplined defence, rapid ball‑movement, and exploiting set‑piece opportunities that suit British players’ skill sets. "We’ll study the Australians, but we won’t copy them," he asserted.
"Our success will come from a tailored strategy that maximises our own assets." The broader context of the tournament adds extra pressure. Sky Sports has confirmed it will broadcast every Super League fixture live this season, with two matches per round shown exclusively and the remaining games available across its channels. This increased visibility means England’s preparation will be under constant scrutiny, and McDermtt acknowledges the need for mental resilience as well as tactical acumen. In summary, McDermott’s message is clear: England can close the historical gap with Australia and claim the coveted World Cup, but only by embracing a bespoke plan, acknowledging its own limitations, and executing a fresh, innovative style of play.
The countdown to the opening match is on, and the new coach’s first steps—building his staff, contacting players, and laying out his vision—are already underway, even from the opposite side of the world. The challenge is great, but, as McDermott insists, the victory is within reach if England dares to be different and commits to the hard work required to turn ambition into reality.