Brian McDermott is confident that he can craft the right formula to finally deliver England’s long‑awaited Rugby League World Cup triumph and put an end to Australia’s historic dominance. Appointed on Thursday as the successor to Shaun Wane—who resigned in January after a 3‑0 Ashes whitewash by the Kangaroos—McDermott inherits the monumental task of guiding England to its inaugural World Cup victory.
Australia, who are both co‑hosts and defending champions, have claimed nine of the last ten World Cups and present a formidable barrier for an English side that has not defeated them since the 1995 final. Yet the newly‑appointed coach insists the disparity is not insurmountable and that England, now three‑time runners‑up, are ready to take the decisive step forward.
"We need a strategy that is tailored to British‑based players and reflects the fact that most of our squad competes in a competition that is fundamentally different from the NRL," McDermott explained. "A one‑size‑fits‑all approach simply won’t work. We have to develop a plan that is specific to our strengths and circumstances, not just copy what other nations are doing. If we intend to progress deep into the tournament, our tactics must look different from the traditional playbooks." He drew a parallel with boxing, recalling Tyson Fury’s 2015 upset over Wladimir Klitschko.
"Fury was never going to pretend his right hand matched Klitschko’s power, so he devised a completely new game plan that the champion wasn’t prepared for. The lesson for us is that we must innovate rather than try to match Australia punch‑for‑punch," McDermott said. "The gap is bridgeable and the competition is winnable – but only if we stop pretending we are already on equal footing with a team that has dominated for decades.
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," he added.
Having out‑performed a roster of experienced candidates—including former England coaches Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara—McDermott now faces a tight timeline. England’s opening match against Tonga is scheduled for 17 October, and the new boss will spend the next few weeks assembling his backroom staff, establishing communication channels with players, and laying the groundwork for his tactical philosophy.
McDermott will conduct much of this preparatory work from Australia, where he currently serves as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans. Although the arrangement is technically part‑time, he signed a contract that runs through the end of the World Cup and has signalled his intention to remain in the role beyond the tournament. "Geographical distance does present challenges, but modern technology makes it possible to watch games, analyse footage and share a clear vision with the squad," he said.
"I already keep up with Super League action without being the England coach. In fact, even if I were based in the UK, I would probably be meeting players over Zoom anyway." McDermott also addressed the controversy surrounding Leeds’ half‑back Jake Connor, who was omitted from the Ashes squad by Wane last year. "He is definitely in my World Cup plans," McDermott affirmed.
"The narrative around Jake has been unfairly polarized – some love him, some don’t – but that’s the nature of sport. What cannot be disputed is his quality.
He is a game‑breaker, a player of tremendous ability, and I intend to give him the opportunity to showcase that on the world stage." Looking ahead, McDermott emphasised the importance of building a cohesive unit that can adapt to the fast‑paced, physically demanding style of international rugby league. He plans to blend the creativity of Super League players with the disciplined structures often seen in the NRL, creating a hybrid approach that leverages the best of both worlds.
This will involve intensive video analysis, targeted skill sessions, and a focus on mental resilience to cope with the pressure of high‑stakes matches. The coach also hinted at potential squad rotation to keep players fresh throughout the tournament, noting that the World Cup schedule can be grueling. "Depth is crucial. We have a pool of talent that can step up when needed, and I want to ensure everyone feels valued and ready to contribute," he said.
As the countdown to the opening fixture ticks down, the English rugby league community will be watching closely to see whether McDermott’s fresh perspective can finally break the Australian stranglehold. With a clear plan, a willingness to innovate, and a commitment to harnessing the unique strengths of British‑based talent, the new head coach believes England is poised to turn the tide. Sky Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, including two exclusive live games each round and additional coverage of the remaining fixtures.
This increased exposure will give fans ample opportunity to follow both domestic competition and England’s World Cup journey, providing a broader platform for the sport’s growth in the UK.