McDermott Champions Connor as England's Key Player, Critiques Wane's Choices
Brian McDermott, the newly appointed head coach of England, has expressed his strong commitment to including Jake Connor, the reigning Super League Man of Steel, in his plans for the upcoming World Cup. McDermott's remarks came during his unveiling on Thursday, where he criticized the treatment Connor received from his predecessor, Shaun Wane. McDermott, who recently transitioned from coaching Leeds and London to an assistant role with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL, highlighted the unfairness surrounding Connor's omission from the squad during last year's Ashes series, which marked Wane's final tenure. Despite being recognized as the best player in 2025, Connor was not selected, a decision Wane deemed "not difficult" and largely disregarded accolades like the Man of Steel. McDermott stated: "Yeah, he is [in my plans] for sure. Absolutely. The rhetoric around Jake was tremendously unfair." He acknowledged the mixed opinions about Connor but emphasized his exceptional talent, calling him a "game-breaker." Looking ahead to the World Cup in October, where England faces Tonga in their opening match, McDermott noted the team's low expectations following a 3-0 defeat in the Ashes and limited training time. However, he remains optimistic about their chances: "The gap is bridgeable." "We can win it; absolutely we can win it." He stressed the importance of a solid plan tailored for UK-based players and fostering genuine connections within the team, stating: "It can’t just be grabbing hold of the badge and shouting aggressively. We’re talking about true connection and a true bond."
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-04-23