Brian McDermott is convinced he can craft the strategy that finally ends England’s long wait for a Rugby League World Cup crown and puts an end to Australia’s decades‑long dominance. 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 lifted the trophy nine times in the last ten tournaments and remain a formidable barrier for an English side that has not defeated them since the 1995 final. Yet the newly‑appointed head coach insists the gulf between the two nations is bridgeable and that England, now three‑time runners‑up, can finally make the decisive leap.
"We need a plan that is tailored to British‑based players, many of whom come from a competition that operates very differently to the NRL," McDermott explained. "It can’t be a generic, one‑size‑fits‑all approach. We have to design something specific to our strengths and weaknesses. Copying what other nations do won’t work if we hope to progress deep into the tournament." He drew a parallel with boxing legend Tyson Fury’s 2015 victory over Wladimir Klitschko.
Fury openly admitted his right hand was not as powerful as Klitschko’s, so he abandoned the conventional heavyweight style and employed a game plan that forced the Ukrainian champion out of his comfort zone. "Fury didn’t try to match Klitschko punch for punch; he did something different and it paid off. The same principle applies to us," McDermott said.
"The gap is definitely bridgeable and the competition is winnable – but only if we stop pretending we can simply stand toe‑to‑toe with the Australians and expect the same outcome. If anyone thinks I’m saying we can’t win, they aren’t listening. We can win, but we have to change the way we play and the way we prepare." Having out‑performed a strong field that included Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara to secure the England role, McDermott now faces a tight timeline before the tournament opener against Tonga on 17 October.
His immediate priorities are assembling a capable coaching team, establishing communication channels with the squad, and beginning the selection process—all of which he will initially manage from Australia, where he remains an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL. At 56, McDermtt acknowledged the logistical challenges of a part‑time appointment but emphasized modern technology’s ability to bridge distance.
"The internet allows me to watch games, analyse footage and stay connected with the staff and players. I already follow Super League matches closely, even without the England job. Ironically, even if I were based in the UK I would probably be meeting players on Zoom anyway," he noted.
He also hinted that his contract, which runs through the end of the World Cup, could be extended if both parties agree. "I would be interested in staying on beyond the tournament," McDermott added, signalling a longer‑term vision for English rugby league.
One of the early talking points surrounding his appointment has been the status of Leeds’ half‑back Jake Connor, who was controversially left out of the Ashes squad by Wane last year. When asked whether Connor features in his World Cup plans, McDermott responded unequivocally: "He is, absolutely.
The narrative around Jake has been unfair. Some love him, some don’t – that’s part of the sport. But what can’t be denied is his quality. He is a game‑breaker, a player who can turn a match on its head." McDermott’s broader message to the England camp is clear: success will require a departure from conventional wisdom, a willingness to innovate, and a realistic assessment of the team’s assets.
He believes that by crafting a bespoke game plan, leveraging the unique skill set of Super League players, and embracing modern communication tools, England can not only narrow the historical gap with Australia but also claim the coveted World Cup trophy. Fans can look forward to comprehensive coverage of the tournament, with Sky Sports confirming that every Super League match this season will be broadcast live, including two exclusive live fixtures each round and the remaining five matches shown weekly across its channels. This extensive exposure will give supporters ample opportunity to track England’s progress as McDermott’s new era unfolds.