Brian McDermott aims to remain England coach for 2030 World Cup
Brian McDermott said he wants to remain England's head coach for the 2030 Rugby League World Cup after being appointed on a short-term agreement in April to lead England at this autumn's World Cup in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. He is currently working part-time in the role while also serving as an assistant coach at NRL club Gold Coast Titans.
McDermott, 56, the former Leeds Rhinos head coach who won eight trophies in eight years, told reporters when he started that he would be interested in staying beyond this tournament. His England appointment is on a part-time basis, in contrast to his full-time predecessor Shaun Wane. McDermott has said he wants to focus on the immediate task of the World Cup this October and November while remaining open to a longer-term commitment.
On the prospect of a longer tenure he said: "Well, we've had a very informal discussion about what that might look like and then that's all it is. And it's been a really short conversation." He added: "Clearly, I'd like to do the job for longer. I'd like to get another crack at the World Cup in four years' time." He also outlined the preparation he would want, saying: "You know, if you're going to do this properly, give me four years' preparation, where we're building it up year by year and getting players connected to a programme which has got a start, a middle and the end."
McDermott confirmed former Wigan captain Sean O'Loughlin and St Helens great Paul Wellens as his assistant coaches for the World Cup. He acknowledged the short lead-in to the tournament and described recent months as difficult to organise, saying: "This has been a crazy, crazy period over the last few months to try and coordinate all this. And I think we're in good shape, by the way." He emphasised he has not pursued extended discussions about the post-tournament role, saying: "We haven't gone too deep into those discussions. And when you mention it, you think, no, let's not talk about that. I've got to get my mind on this here. So it has been mentioned, but I'm not chasing that just yet."
McDermott said when he took the England job that he intended to retain George Williams as captain. The Warrington half-back, who will join NRL club Dolphins after the World Cup, returned to action in August following four months out with a neck injury. Of Williams he said: "He's been great to speak to," adding, "I didn't really know George at all. It's been really enjoyable to get to know him. He's keen as anything." He also said: "And while he was injured, you could just tell he came back from injury early, but you could tell if there's anybody who's going to come back from it early, it would be him. And I'm really pleased to see the form that he's in now. His leadership's been really good. When we've had the groups meetings, I saw the way he would speak on there and just have a bit of maturity. So he'll be the captain."
England begin their World Cup campaign against Tonga in Perth on 17 October.