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McDermott blames ‘harsh’ Rugby League World Cup format as exit looms

The Guardian Australia - Sport · 22 October 2026 at 11:41 pm

McDermott blames ‘harsh’ Rugby League World Cup format as exit looms

‘You’ve got to hit the ground running, which we didn’t do’ Coach bemoans 10-team structure and Tonga defeat Brian McDermott has conceded England’s hopes of reaching the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals may already be over, the head coach blaming the tournament’s “harsh” format and their opening loss to Tonga .

The World Cup has been reduced to 10 nations, down from 16 four years ago.

That is largely due to financial reasons after the hosts Australia stepped in following France’s withdrawal.

That has led to a unique format, with different levels of jeopardy for different nations based on their respective group.

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McDermott blames ‘harsh’ Rugby League World Cup format as exit looms

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