Brian McDermott is confident he can craft the strategy that finally ends England's long wait for a Rugby League World Cup trophy and puts 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 defeat to the Kangaroos—McDermott now carries the weight of delivering England’s inaugural World Cup victory. Australia, the co‑hosts and defending champions, have won nine of the last ten tournaments and present a formidable barrier for an English side that has not beaten the southern giants since the 1995 final. Yet the newly‑appointed head coach insists the disparity is surmountable and that a three‑time runner‑up can finally make the decisive leap.
"We need a game plan that reflects the realities of British‑based players, many of whom come from a competition that operates very differently to the NRL," McDermott explained. "It has to be a specific blueprint, not a generic copy‑and‑paste of what other nations are doing. If we want to progress deep into the competition, our approach must look distinct from everyone else’s." He drew a parallel with boxing, recalling Tyson Fury’s 2015 upset over Wladimir Klitschko.
"Fury never pretended his right hand matched Klitschko’s. He knew he couldn’t simply stand there and trade punches the same way.
He adopted a different game plan, one that Klitschko wasn’t prepared for, and he succeeded. The lesson for us is the same: we must innovate, not imitate." McDermott stressed that the gap between England and Australia is "bridgeable" and that the tournament is winnable—provided the team refuses to fool itself into thinking it can rely on the same tactics that have failed in the past. "If anyone thinks I’m saying we can’t win, they’re not listening.
We can win. We can absolutely win—but only if we do things differently," he said. Having out‑performed seasoned coaches such as Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, Brad Arthur and Steve McNamara to secure the England job, McDermott now faces a tight schedule.
England’s opening match against Tonga is set for 17 October, and the coach’s immediate priorities include assembling his backroom staff and reaching out to players for the first time. He will begin this work from Australia, where he continues as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL. At 56, McDermtt addressed concerns about the part‑time nature of the role. He has signed a contract that runs through the end of the World Cup and emphasised that modern technology mitigates any geographic hurdles.
"The internet lets me watch games, analyse footage and stay connected with the squad. I already watch plenty of Super League action without being England coach. Ironically, even if I were based in the UK, I’d probably be meeting players on Zoom anyway," he remarked. He also hinted at a longer‑term commitment, stating, "I would be interested in taking the job beyond the World Cup." The coach also used the interview to extend an olive branch to Super League’s Man of Steel, Jake Connor, who was controversially left out of the Ashes squad by Shaun Wane last year.
When asked whether Connor features in his World Cup plans, McDermott answered unequivocally: "He is, for sure. Absolutely.
The narrative around Jake was hugely unfair. He’s a player people either love or dislike, but that’s part of the sport. What no one can dispute is his talent—he’s a game‑breaker." Beyond the tactical discussion, McDermott highlighted the broader context of the sport’s growth. He noted that Sky Sports will broadcast every Super League match this season, with two games per round shown live exclusively and the remaining five available on the main channel.
This increased exposure, he believes, will help nurture a deeper pool of talent for future England squads. Looking ahead, McDermott’s challenge will be to translate his philosophy into on‑field performance. He must blend the physicality of the English game with the speed and structure that characterise Australian rugby league, all while fostering a cohesive team culture across two continents. The coach’s willingness to adapt, his appreciation for innovative tactics, and his respect for the players’ individual strengths suggest a fresh direction for England.
If McDermott can successfully implement a tailored strategy, manage the logistical complexities of a trans‑hemispheric coaching role, and harness the enthusiasm of fans eager for a breakthrough, England could indeed close the gap with Australia. The upcoming World Cup will be the first real test of whether his vision can turn long‑standing ambition into a historic triumph.