New England head coach Brian McDermott has insisted that there is more than one way to skin a cat as he looks to end Australia's dominance at this year's Rugby League World Cup. McDermott, who led Leeds to four Super League and two Challenge Cup crowns as well as the World Club Challenge between 2010 and 2018, was unveiled as Shaun Wane's successor on Thursday.
England's World Cup history
England have never won the World Cup, with Australia triumphing in nine of the last 10 editions since Great Britain claimed a third title in 1972. The Kangaroos co-host the 2026 tournament alongside New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
A unique plan for British-based players
McDermott believes his predecessors have tried to emulate Australia when a blueprint tailor-made for an England side largely made up of Super League players is the best way forward. "You've got to have a plan that's accurate to British-based players and a team that largely comes from a competition that is very different to the NRL," he said.
"You have to have a plan that's specific and not just a general plan. You certainly can't copy what the other nations are doing. It can't look the same if we intend to go deep into the tournament."
Drawing inspiration from boxing
Drawing a parallel with Tyson Fury's 2015 victory over Wladimir Klitschko, McDermott added: "(When) Tyson Fury beat Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, he was unapologetic that he didn't have a right hand as strong as Klitschko's. He wasn't going to stand in front of Wladimir and trade punches. He had to do something differently. He employed a game plan that Wladimir wasn't used to and got the job done. Take out of that what you will."
England have not beaten Australia since 1995 and were roundly beaten 3-0 in the Ashes last autumn. "It is bridgeable and the competition is winnable," McDermott said. "But not if you're going to stand in front of Wladimir Klitschko, lie to yourself and say your right hand is as strong as his right hand."
Confidence in winning
"If anybody is listening to this thinking that I'm saying we can't win, they're not listening. We can win. We can absolutely win. But we have to do some things differently," he added.
McDermott edged out Leeds head coach Brad Arthur as well as Warrington's Sam Burgess, St Helens' Paul Rowley and Steve McNamara to land the England role. Currently assistant coach at NRL side Gold Coast Titans, the 56-year-old played down concerns about taking on the position on a part-time basis after signing a contract until the end of the World Cup.
"It does pose some challenges, but with the internet nowadays I can watch games and see the vision that I need to see," McDermott, whose side begin their World Cup campaign against Tonga on October 17, said. "I certainly do watch enough Super League games already without being England coach. The irony is, even if I was based in the UK, any players I would meet, I'd probably do it on Zoom anyway."
Olive branch to Jake Connor
McDermott also offered an olive branch to Man of Steel Jake Connor after the Leeds half-back was omitted by Wane from last year's Ashes. Asked if Connor is part of his World Cup plans, McDermott added: "He is, for sure. Absolutely. What nobody can argue is that he's a tremendous player. He's a fantastic player. He's a game-breaker."
