Leeds Rhinos legend explains why ex-boss Brian McDermott 'has to be the next England coach'

McDermott, 55, guided Rhinos to four Grand Final wins between 2011 and 2017, including a clean-sweep of domestic trophies 11 years ago. The ex-Bradford Bulls player was in charge of Harlequins RL, now known as London Broncos, before taking over at Leeds and later had spells in the hot seat at Toronto Wolfpack - who he led into the top-flight - and Featherstone Rovers.

Now an assistant-coach at NRL outfit Gold Coast Titans, having held a similar role at Australian rivals Newcastle Knights from 2022-25, he is someone many in the sport feel would be a good fit for the England post.

Shaun Wane stepped down as national coach last week after six years at the helm and the RFL have confirmed they are looking to make a part-time appointment ahead of this autumn’s World Cup. Though a Betfred Super League-based coach may be the preference, England don’t have a practice match planned ahead of this year’s tournament and McDermott boasts a remarkable success rate in big games, often against the odds.

As well as his Super League title victories, he also masterminded two Challenge Cup final triumphs and a World Club Challenge success at Leeds and had an 80.76 winning record in knockout, play-off and middle-eights matches. It’s not clear if McDermott would accept the role and other potential contenders include Willie Peters (Hull KR), Paul Rowley (St Helens), Sam Burgess (Warrington Wolves) and Rhinos’ Brad Arthur.

However, McDermott’s namesake reckons he is “the best man for the job”. In a message on social media, former Leeds prop and current Sky Sports rugby league pundit Barrie McDermott, who is no relation, said the Gold Coast assistant “has to be the next England coach”. He said: “His CV speaks for itself: NRL experience, Super League success, trophies, respected across the game. But it’s what sits behind that which really matters. He understands the NRL players and the southern hemisphere mentality.

“He can pull their game apart, but more importantly, he can shape a clear identity for an England team that badly needs one. He gives teams direction, he communicates with honesty, he motivates people, he brings everyone with him - and most of all, players want to play for him. England need a fresh edge and a stronger sense of who they are. One coach won’t fix everything overnight, but this would be a proper start.”