Harry Smith backs England World Cup winner mentality — SkimNews
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Harry Smith insists England will enter the Rugby League World Cup as underdogs but with a winner's mentality, opening their campaign against Tonga on October 17 in Perth
- Brian McDermott replaced Shaun Wane as England coach after the 3-0 Ashes loss to Australia, has told the squad from their first meeting they are there to win the tournament, and is pushing the spine to treat every play as a scoring chance
- Smith, who featured when England last beat Tonga, acknowledged the physical challenge of facing their big pack but expressed confidence England can repeat the result
- England face France and Papua New Guinea after Tonga in the group stage, with a semi-final place the prize for advancing
- Australia, the world's No. 1 side and 3-0 Ashes conquerors, are the firm favourites to win the tournament
Why it matters: England's October 17 opener against Tonga in Perth is the first concrete test of McDermott's attacking philosophy after the humbling 3-0 Ashes whitewash. With Australia firm favourites and a semi-final place at stake, the squad's stated belief matters less than whether McDermott's tactical overhaul — exploiting every scoring opportunity, particularly against elite defenses — can translate into results against a physically imposing Tonga pack.
Ask SkimNews
