Brian McDermott is convinced he can craft the formula that will finally break England’s long wait for a first Rugby League World Cup triumph and put an end to Australia’s historic dominance. Appointed on Thursday as the successor to Shaun Wane—who stepped down in January after a 3-0 Ashes drubbing by the Kangaroos—McDermott now carries the weight of delivering England’s inaugural World Cup victory. Australia, the co‑hosts and defending champions, have hoarded nine of the last ten titles and present a formidable barrier for an English side that has not toppled the southern giants since 1995. Yet the passionate McDermett insists the gap between the two nations is bridgeable and that England, three‑time runners‑up, are ready to take the final leap.
"You need a strategy that fits British‑based players, a squad that largely competes in a competition very different from the NRL," McDermott explained. "It has to be a specific plan, not a generic one.
We can’t simply copy what other countries are doing; the approach must look different if we hope to go deep into the tournament." He drew a parallel with boxing, recalling Tyson Fury’s 2015 upset of Wladimir Klitschko. "Fury was never going to pretend his right hand was as strong as Klitschko’s. He knew he had to fight on his own terms, using a game plan the champion wasn’t prepared for. Take that lesson to heart," McDermott said.
"The gap is bridgeable and the competition is winnable – but only if we stop pretending we can stand toe‑to‑toe with Klitschko and claim our right hand is as powerful as his. If anyone thinks I’m saying we can’t win, they aren’t listening. We can win, absolutely, but we must do some things differently." Having bested a roster of seasoned coaches—including Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara—to secure the England job, McDermott now faces a tight timetable before England’s opening World Cup match against Tonga on 17 October.
His immediate priorities are assembling a competent coaching team and making initial contact with the playing group. Both tasks will be undertaken from Australia, where he remains an assistant coach with the NRL side Gold Coast Titans.
At 56, McDermott downplayed concerns about a part‑time arrangement, noting that modern technology allows him to monitor games and maintain a clear vision from afar. "It does pose challenges, but with the internet I can watch matches and see the patterns I need," he said. "I already watch plenty of Super League games without being England coach.
Ironically, even if I were based in the UK, I’d probably be meeting players on Zoom anyway. I’m also interested in staying beyond the World Cup." McDermott also reached out to Super League’s Man of Steel, Jake Connor, whose omission from the Ashes squad by Wane sparked controversy. When asked whether Connor features in his World Cup plans, McDermott responded unequivocally: "He is, for sure.
Absolutely. The narrative around Jake was hugely unfair. He’s loved by some, disliked by others – that’s part of the sport.
We could argue about his personality, but that’s irrelevant. What no one can dispute is his talent. He’s a fantastic, game‑breaking player." Looking ahead, McDermott emphasised the need for a distinct English identity on the field. He wants a style that leverages the speed and creativity of Super League athletes while incorporating the physicality and discipline seen in the NRL.
To achieve this, he plans to blend tactical innovations—such as varied attacking sets, quicker play‑the‑ball speeds, and targeted defensive structures—with a strong emphasis on mental resilience. He also highlighted the importance of squad depth. With the World Cup schedule demanding rapid recovery, rotating players and managing workloads will be crucial. McDermott intends to involve younger prospects who have shown promise in the Championship and League 1, giving them exposure alongside seasoned internationals.
This approach, he believes, will create a sustainable pipeline of talent and prevent over‑reliance on a handful of stars. Beyond the tactical realm, McDermott is keen to foster a culture of belief within the camp. He plans team‑building sessions, leadership workshops, and open forums where players can voice concerns and ideas. By cultivating an environment where accountability and camaraderie coexist, he hopes to unlock the collective potential that has eluded England in past tournaments.
The media landscape will also play a role. Sky Sports has confirmed it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, with two exclusive fixtures each round and the remaining five shown weekly.
This increased exposure will give English players more high‑pressure experience and allow fans to track the team’s evolution in real time. In summary, McDermott’s roadmap combines a bespoke tactical framework, strategic player management, cultural cohesion, and modern communication tools. While the Australian juggernaut remains a daunting opponent, the English coach believes that with the right plan, the gap can indeed be closed and the World Cup trophy can finally be lifted by England.