Hull KR star Mikey Lewis and boss Willie Peters have both offered their thoughts over Brian McDermott’s appointment as England head coach.
McDermott has been appointed on a contract that will run through to the end of the World Cup, before a decision is made on a long-term head coach.
Peters was originally in the running for the role, and at one stage was the favourite, but his impending move to the PNG Chiefs at the end of the season forced him to drop out of contention.
Lewis was part of the most recent England squad, with Shaun Wane selecting the Robins talisman in the Ashes series last autumn.
It’s fair to say the 24-year-old wasn’t really given a chance to show his full potential against the Kangaroos, having been utilised at half-back, full-back and hooker as opposed to his natural position of stand-off.
With the head coach change now confirmed, both men have given their verdict on McDermott’s appointment, with Lewis in particular looking forward to working with the ex-Leeds Rhinos boss.
“I think it’s a great appointment,” Lewis said to the press prior to the club’s game against Bradford Bulls. “He’s been around a lot of years and what he’s done at Leeds.
“Obviously, he’s gone over there [the NRL] and done coaching over there. He’s well known and you’ve got to admire what he’s done in the game.
“It’s very exciting news for us as players, English players, and hopefully for the fans to get behind what we’re going to go over there and achieve in the World Cup at the end of the year.”
Hoping to make a similar impact under McDermott as some Rhinos greats, Lewis added: “The style of rugby, what I watched when I was coming through and he was a coach at Leeds, the likes of Danny [McGuire], Rob [Burrow], and how they played, I wouldn’t see why it wouldn’t be any different to how that is.
“I’d be really, really excited and looking forward to it. I’ve just got to keep playing consistently well throughout the year to be hopefully in that squad to go off to Australia.”
Wigan Warriors’ worries, Hull FC drama and NRL takeover talk – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show.
Hull KR boss offers verdict on England head coach appointment
Peters, like his star man, was full of praise for the 56-year-old, who takes on his first head coach role since leaving Featherstone Rovers in 2022.
Asked the same question, the Robins gaffer said: “Congratulations to Brian. It’s obviously well-deserved.
“He’s over in Australia. He understands the game over there and he’s obviously the most capped in terms of winning trophies over here, so it’s thoroughly deserved.
“There were some great candidates, there’s no doubt. I think Sam Burgess would have done a wonderful job, as well as the others there. Brian obviously got the nod and I’m sure he’ll do well.
“I’m sure that Brian is looking at all games. He’ll be looking at every player and every team.”
Commenting on if some of his players could, and should, make the squad, Peters added: “We obviously did well last year but last year is last year and the players need to do it again this year.
“I’m sure he’ll be looking at our players like he will every player.
“Naturally, I support the players that are in our side and I’d love to see as many of them playing at the end of the season but he makes those decisions and there’s no doubt he’ll know who he wants at the moment and who he’s keeping an eye on, that’s for sure.”
