Brian McDermott is convinced that he can craft the missing formula that will finally deliver England its inaugural Rugby League World Cup crown and break 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 at the hands of the Kangaroos—McDermott now carries the weight of expectation to guide England to its first tournament triumph. Australia, the co‑hosts and defending champions, have dominated the competition, winning nine of the last ten World Cups. For an England side that has not beaten the Aussies since the 1995 final, the challenge appears monumental.
Yet McDermadt’s fervent confidence suggests the gap is not insurmountable 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, many of whom compete in a league that differs fundamentally from the NRL," McDermott explained. "A generic, one‑size‑fits‑all approach won’t work.
We must devise a plan that is uniquely ours, not a carbon copy of what other nations are doing. If we intend to progress deep into the tournament, our tactics have to look different from the competition’s usual playbook." He drew an analogy to boxing, recalling Tyson Fury’s 2015 victory over Wladimir Klitschko.
"Fury never pretended his right hand was as powerful as Klitschko’s. He knew he couldn’t simply trade punches on the same terms, so he adopted a completely different game plan that caught Klitschko off guard and secured the win. The lesson for us is clear: we must innovate, not imitate." "The gap is bridgeable, and the competition is winnable – but only if we stop pretending we can stand toe‑to‑toe with a giant like Klitschko and claim our strengths are identical," McDermott added.
"If anyone thinks I’m saying we can’t win, they’re not listening. We can win, absolutely, but we have to do some things differently." After out‑maneuvering notable candidates such as Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara to secure the England job, McDermott now faces a tight timetable.
England’s World Cup opener against Tonga is scheduled for 17 October, leaving little time to assemble a coaching team, evaluate the squad, and instil his philosophy. He disclosed that his first priority will be to recruit his back‑room staff and begin contacting players – tasks he plans to undertake from Australia, where he remains an assistant coach with the NRL’s Gold Coast Titans.
At 56, McDermott downplayed concerns about a part‑time arrangement, noting that modern technology mitigates geographic obstacles. "The internet allows me to watch games, analyse footage and maintain a clear vision even from across the globe," he said. "I already keep up with Super League fixtures without being the England coach. Ironically, even if I were based in the UK, I’d probably be meeting players on Zoom anyway." He also hinted that his commitment could extend beyond the World Cup, expressing a desire for a longer‑term role with the national side.
"I would be interested in taking the job beyond the World Cup," he confirmed. One of the early talking points surrounding his appointment was the status of Leeds half‑back Jake Connor, who was controversially omitted from the Ashes squad by Wane last year.
When asked whether Connor features in his plans, McDermott responded unequivocally: "He is, for sure. Absolutely." He criticised the media narrative that painted Connor in a polarising light, arguing that personal opinions about his character should not distract from his on‑field contributions. "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. But what cannot be disputed is his talent.
He’s a game‑breaker, a fantastic player, and he deserves a fair assessment based on his abilities." McDermott’s vision for England hinges on a blend of tactical ingenuity, psychological preparation, and a willingness to deviate from conventional approaches. He emphasised the importance of tailoring training sessions to the specific strengths of British players, who often operate in a different style and tempo compared to their NRL counterparts. By focusing on structured set‑pieces, defensive solidity, and exploiting the speed of his backs, he hopes to create a style that can both withstand and challenge Australia’s physical dominance.
Beyond tactics, McDermott highlighted the need for cultural cohesion within the squad. He plans to foster a unified identity that embraces both the heritage of English rugby league and the modern demands of international competition. This includes encouraging players to take ownership of the game plan, promoting open communication, and building resilience to handle the pressure of high‑stakes matches.
The upcoming World Cup schedule offers England a clear pathway: a strong opening against Tonga, followed by potential clashes with other heavyweight nations. McDermott believes that if his team can execute a disciplined, adaptable game plan and maintain belief in their ability to win, the historic prize is within reach. For fans, the news that Sky Sports will broadcast every Super League match live this season – including exclusive live coverage of two games per round and additional fixtures each week – provides ample opportunity to monitor the form of England’s domestic talent.
This extensive coverage will allow McDermott and his staff to scout emerging players, assess performance trends, and fine‑tune selections ahead of the World Cup. In summary, Brian McDermott arrives with a clear message: England can close the gap to Australia and claim the Rugby League World Cup, but only by embracing a bespoke strategy, leveraging technology, and rejecting the notion that they must simply copy what has worked for others. With a decisive opening match against Tonga on the horizon, the next few months will be critical in shaping a squad capable of delivering the long‑awaited triumph for English rugby league supporters worldwide.