Brian McDermott is confident that he can craft the blueprint needed to finally secure England’s first Rugby League World Cup crown and put an end to Australia’s long‑standing supremacy. Appointed on Thursday as the successor to Shaun Wane—who stepped down in January after a 3‑0 Ashes whitewash by 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. For an English side that has not managed to defeat the Aussies since 1995, the challenge appears formidable. Yet McDermerson, speaking with palpable passion, insists the disparity can be narrowed and that the three‑time runners‑up can finally make the decisive leap.
"We need a strategy that reflects the realities of British‑based players and a competition that differs markedly from the NRL," McDermott explained. "It has to be a plan that is tailored, not a generic template.
We can’t simply mimic what other nations are doing; the approach must look different if we intend to progress deep into the tournament." He drew a parallel with boxing, recalling Tyson Fury’s 2015 victory over Wladimir Klitschko. "Fury never pretended his right hand was as strong as Klitschko’s. He didn’t try to trade punches on equal terms.
Instead, he adopted a game plan that Klitschko wasn’t prepared for and executed it flawlessly. Take that lesson and apply it to rugby league." McDermott emphasized that the gap between England and Australia is "bridgeable" and that the competition is "winnable"—provided England does not deceive itself into thinking it can simply match Australia pound for pound. "If anyone thinks I’m saying we can’t win, they’re not listening.
We can win, absolutely. But we must do certain things differently," he asserted. After out‑maneuvering a roster of seasoned candidates—including Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara—to secure the head‑coaching role, McDermott now faces a tight timeline before England’s opening World Cup fixture against Tonga on 17 October.
His immediate priorities are clear: assemble a competent coaching team, initiate contact with the player pool, and begin laying the foundations of his game plan. Uniquely, McDermott will be undertaking these tasks 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, McDermott highlighted the flexibility offered by modern technology.
"Geographical distance does present challenges, but with today’s internet capabilities I can watch matches, analyse footage and maintain a clear vision for the squad," he said. "I already watch plenty of Super League games even without the England job. Ironically, even if I were based in the UK, I would probably be meeting players on Zoom anyway." He also signalled a willingness to stay beyond the tournament.
"I would be interested in taking the job beyond the World Cup," McDermott added, indicating a long‑term commitment to developing England’s rugby league program. In a notable gesture, McDermott extended an olive branch to Super League’s Man of Steel, Jake Connor, who was controversially left out of the Ashes squad by Wane last year. When asked whether Connor would feature in his World Cup plans, McDermott responded unequivocally: "He is, for sure.
Absolutely." He criticized the media narrative surrounding Connor, describing it as unfair. "The rhetoric around Jake was tremendously unfair. He’s a player who is loved by some and disliked by others—that’s part of the sport.
We could sit around debating his character, but that’s not the point. What no one can dispute is his talent. He’s a game‑breaker, a fantastic player." Beyond the coaching and selection issues, the broader context of the tournament includes Sky Sports’ commitment to broadcast every Super League match live this season, with two games per round shown exclusively and the remaining five matches streamed weekly on the network.
This comprehensive coverage will provide English fans with ample opportunity to follow their team’s progress and analyse the tactics employed by both England and their rivals. In summary, McDermott’s appointment marks a new chapter for English rugby league. By crafting a bespoke strategy that acknowledges the distinct nature of the British game, leveraging technology to bridge the distance from Australia, and embracing a realistic yet ambitious mindset, he believes England can finally close the gap with Australia and lift the World Cup trophy for the first time.
The upcoming weeks will reveal whether his vision translates into on‑field success, but the message is clear: England is ready to challenge the status quo, adapt its approach, and strive for victory on the world stage.