McDermott wants to lead England to 2030 Rugby League World Cup — SkimNews
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- Brian McDermott said he wants to commit to England through the 2030 Rugby League World Cup, calling a four-year preparation cycle preferable to the compressed timeline he has had for this autumn's tournament.
- McDermott was appointed on a short-term agreement in April to guide England through the World Cup in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, and holds the role part-time alongside his assistant coaching position at NRL club Gold Coast Titans.
- Sean O'Loughlin and Paul Wellens are confirmed as McDermott's assistant coaches for the World Cup, with England opening against Tonga in Perth on 17 October having had no matches beforehand.
- McDermott said he would like 'another crack at the World Cup in four years' time,' characterising his discussions with the governing body as 'very informal' and something he is not currently chasing.
- George Williams will remain England captain under McDermott, who praised the Warrington half-back's leadership and maturity despite a four-month absence with a neck injury; Williams will leave Super League for NRL club Dolphins after the tournament.
Why it matters: A four-year commitment would let McDermott build a structured long-term programme rather than the ad-hoc preparation forced on him this autumn, but any extension has to be reconciled with his part-time arrangement at Gold Coast Titans and the short-term contract under which he was hired.
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