Brian McDermott is confident that he can devise the strategic formula needed to finally deliver England’s inaugural Rugby League World Cup victory 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 defeat at the hands of the Kangaroos—McDermott now shoulders the responsibility of guiding England to its first World Cup triumph. Australia, who co‑host the tournament and enter as defending champions, have dominated the competition, winning nine of the last ten editions.
They also present a formidable psychological barrier, having not lost to England since the 1995 final. Nevertheless, an animated McDermott insists that the disparity between the two nations is surmountable 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 compete in a league that operates very differently from the NRL," McDermott explained.
"It can’t be a generic, one‑size‑fits‑all approach. We have to develop a strategy that reflects our own strengths and the unique conditions of the Super League, rather than simply copying what other countries are doing. If we want to go deep into the tournament, the blueprint has to be distinct." He drew a parallel with boxing legend Tyson Fury’s 2015 upset over Wladimir Klitschko. Fury openly acknowledged that his right hand was not as powerful as Klitschko’s, and he refused to engage in a straight‑up power duel.
Instead, he adopted an unconventional game plan that caught the champion off‑guard and secured the win. "Fury didn’t try to match Klitschko punch for punch; he did something different and it worked. The lesson for us is the same – we must innovate, not imitate," McDermott said.
"The gap is bridgeable and the competition is winnable – but we can’t stand in front of a metaphorical Klitschko and convince ourselves we have the same firepower," he added. "If anyone thinks I’m saying we can’t win, they’re not listening. We can win, absolutely, but we have to change certain aspects of the way we play and prepare." After out‑competing notable candidates such as Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara for the England job, McDermott now turns his attention to the opening match of the World Cup, a clash with Tonga scheduled for 17 October.
His immediate priorities include assembling a competent coaching team and initiating contact with the player pool. Although he will be operating from Australia—where he remains an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans—McDermott downplays concerns about the part‑time nature of the role.
He has signed a contract that runs through the end of the tournament and has expressed a desire to remain in the position beyond the World Cup. "Geography does present challenges, but modern technology makes it manageable," he said. "I can watch games, analyse footage and keep up with the Super League from wherever I am. In fact, even if I were based in the UK, I would still be meeting players on Zoom for many sessions." McDermott also used the interview to address the controversy surrounding Leeds’ half‑back Jake Connor, who was omitted from the squad by former coach Shaun Wane for last year’s Ashes series.
When asked whether Connor would feature in his World Cup plans, McDermsson responded unequivocally: "He is definitely in my thoughts. The narrative around Jake has been unfair and overly politicised. Some people love him, others don’t, but that’s part of any sport.
What matters is his ability on the field. He is a game‑breaker, a player of tremendous quality, and I intend to give him a chance to prove that on the world stage." Looking ahead, McDermott is optimistic about the broader landscape of the sport.
Sky Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match this season, with two fixtures per round shown live and the remaining five streamed on the network’s platforms. This increased visibility, he believes, will help nurture a deeper talent pool and give English players more exposure to high‑intensity competition, which is essential for closing the performance gap with the NRL‑based Australians.
In summary, McDermott’s message is clear: England has the potential to topple the Australian juggernaut, but success will require a bespoke tactical framework, a willingness to deviate from conventional play, and the integration of top‑class talent like Jake Connor. With a clear plan, modern communication tools, and a commitment to long‑term development, the new England head coach is determined to turn the long‑awaited dream of a World Cup trophy into a reality.