New England rugby league head coach Brian McDermott has confirmed that Jake Connor is part of his plans for this autumn's World Cup, dismissing previous negative narratives surrounding the player.
Brian McDermott has been appointed England's new head coach for the Rugby League World Cup, offering Man of Steel winner Jake Connor a path back into the national squad. The 56-year-old, who won four Super League titles with Leeds, described Connor as a 'game-breaker' and criticized the unfair narrative around the half-back, who was controversially omitted from Shaun Wane's Ashes squad. McDermott takes over on a part-time basis, with England's World Cup campaign starting against Tonga on 17 October.
Brian McDermott, 56, appointed as England's men's rugby league head coach for the 2026 World Cup. The former Leeds Rhinos boss, who won four Super League titles with Leeds, replaces Shaun Wane who stepped down in January. McDermott will work part-time, continuing his role as assistant coach at NRL club Gold Coast Titans. England begin their World Cup campaign against Tonga in Perth on 17 October.
Brian McDermott will be confirmed as England men's rugby league head coach this week, succeeding Shaun Wane after the Ashes whitewash. The 56-year-old, currently assistant at Newcastle Knights, beat candidates including Sam Burgess and Brad Arthur to lead England at the autumn World Cup in Australia.
