Brian McDermott “deserves” England opportunity says Leeds Rhinos CEO as Hull KR captain lays out World Cup intentions

Brian McDermott is the perfect choice to be England’s next head coach, Leeds Rhinos CEO Jamie Jones-Buchanan believes.

McDermott was confirmed this morning to lead his nation into this year’s World Cup, in what will be his second time coaching at the tournament.

The former Leeds boss was the head coach of the USA national team in 2017, but after being without a head coach role since leaving Featherstone Rovers in 2022, he returns to the helm in the biggest way possible.

McDermott is currently serving as an assistant at the Gold Coast Titans after also serving at the Newcastle Knights since departing Post Office Road.

The 56-year-old won eight major trophies at Leeds in his seven-year stint, and replaces Shaun Wane who departed as England gaffer in January of this year.

Reflecting on the appointment, Jones-Buchanan and Hull KR captain Elliot Minchella gave their verdict on Sky Sports prior to York Knights’ clash with Toulouse Olympique, with both men heavily excited by today’s news.

Minchella, who worked under McDermott when coming through the system at Leeds as was given his Super League debut by the boss in 2013, said: “Brian Mac’s record speaks for itself.

“He spoke there in his interview about winning. He wants an England team that wins.

He’s a compulsive winner. Jamie knows more than me about that. But, for me, it‘s an exciting appointment.

He’s got his feet on the ground in Australia, so he’s over there. He knows that competition. He knows their players. For me, it’s an exciting appointment for England.

Jones-Buchanan, who is a 14-time England international and a man who worked under the England boss at Leeds for eight seasons, was asked how McDermott’s traits can improve the national team in just a matter of months.

He said: “In a very short space of time, lots of detail, lots of information. And the transfer of that information is really important as well.

“He makes everything a mission. He’s very militant. He’d growl at me if he was still listening to me right now, but he gets you up for that moment and lets you believe and think about what it might look like if you achieve that success.

“I think it’s a great appointment. Like you all, I wouldn’t have any arguments with those candidates, but I think Brian McDermott deserves the opportunity.”

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Hull KR star lays out England World Cup intentions

Minchella, after guiding the KR to a treble-winning campaign in 2025, missed out on Ashes selection last autumn, but is keen to add to his sole England cap, which came in 2024.

The loose forward featured against France in a mid-season Test, and has reaffirmed his desire to pull the jersey on once again.

“I think every Englishman wants to represent their country and it’s the highest level that we can play at,” Minchella said.

“It’s the pinnacle of our sport, so I’d be lying if I said I won’t want to be involved at the end of the year, but I understand there’s a lot of rugby to be played from now until then.

“There’s a lot of competition for places, which I think is great, healthy for the team. I’d love to be involved, but there’s a lot of rugby to be played.”