MCDERMOTT WANTS TO COACH ENGLAND THROUGH TO 2030 WORLD CUP

Brian McDermott has said he wants to remain as England's rugby league head coach through to the 2030 World Cup, extending beyond his current short-term deal. McDermott, previously head coach at Leeds Rhinos, was appointed in April on a short-term agreement to lead England through this autumn's World Cup in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. He said an "informal" discussion about a longer stay had taken place, describing it as "a really short conversation". McDermott said he would like "another crack" at the World Cup in four years' time, given a full four-year build-up with the squad.

McDermott currently works as an assistant coach at NRL club Gold Coast Titans and is doing the England job part-time, unlike his full-time predecessor, Shaun Wane. He has confirmed Sean O'Loughlin and Paul Wellens, formerly of Wigan and St Helens respectively, as his assistant coaches for the tournament. England have no matches before their opening game against Tonga in Perth on 17 October. George Williams has been confirmed as England captain. McDermott said preparation had taken place over a short period but that the squad was "in good shape".

McDermott described the build-up as "a crazy, crazy period" spent coordinating his commitments across coaching roles. He said a four-year cycle would let England build a programme "year by year", giving players a clear start, middle and end to work towards. He said discussions over extending his role had not gone further, adding that his focus was on the current tournament rather than the next one. No decision has been confirmed on his position beyond this year's World Cup.