St Helens boss Paul Rowley reveals England head coach rejection amid reports of confirmed candidate

St Helens boss Paul Rowley has revealed he has been unsuccessful in his application to become England’s next head coach.

Rowley was one of five names said to be in the running for the role, with the RFL looking to appoint someone on a short-term basis ahead of the World Cup, before a decision was made on a longer-term head coach.

Also on list were Leeds Rhinos boss Brad Arthur, who also revealed he hasn’t got the role, Sam Burgess and Steve McNamara of Warrington Wolves and Gold Coast Titans assistant boss Brian McDermott.

It has been reported this week that it will be McDermott who takes the role for this autumn’s competition in Australia, with an announcement set to be made this week.

Rowley was asked in his weekly press conference whether he had landed the job, to which he said: “I had a great interview, really respectful, had some great feedback, but unfortunately for me, they made a different choice.

“I’m disappointed obviously, but nevertheless, pleased that it was respectful and better for the process.

“…[I’m] just keen to support whoever’s got it and the team etc. going forward, and I’ll be right behind it, as I’m sure everybody else would.

“With anything, if you’re going for it, you want it. I didn’t, so it’s obvious feelings on that, but you move on quick.”

St Helens boss Paul Rowley misses out on England job

As mentioned, whoever gets the job, be that McDermott or someone else, will only be on an initial contract for this year only.

The long-term head coach is still to be decided, but Rowley didn’t want to ponder over whether the role could be in his future later down the line.

“All I’m concentrating on now is my job at St Helens,” he explained. “I can’t worry about things that aren’t there at the minute. I just worry about the here and the now.”

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