Harry Smith is under no illusions about the challenge facing England at the Rugby League World Cup in Australia, yet the halfback remains convinced his side possesses the mentality required to claim the trophy.
England arrived in Perth as outsiders for the tournament, a status that stems partly from their recent 3-0 Ashes series loss to Australia, the world's top-ranked side. That whitewash exposed defensive vulnerabilities across all three Tests, but the squad's response has been shaped by a significant change in the coaching setup.
Shaun Wane has departed and been replaced by Brian McDermott, the former Leeds Rhinos boss who has arrived with a conviction that England can develop a tactical approach capable of troubling—and ultimately defeating—elite opponents like Australia and New Zealand. Rather than viewing the playing group as the problem, McDermott has identified the game plan as the area requiring adjustment.
The spine of the team, where Smith operates, will be crucial to implementing that new philosophy. According to the squad announcement on October 13, AJ Brimson will start at fullback with George Williams as captain, alongside Smith in the halves. The starting lineup reflects McDermott's vision for how England should operate.
Smith spoke to Sky Sports about his excitement ahead of the tournament and the tactical shift McDermott has emphasised.
It is a proud moment for myself and my family, a first World Cup so I am really looking forward to it. It is my first time travelling abroad with my country so I am looking forward to it but us pale lads, like me and Zach Eckersley, we might be struggling so we will need plenty of sun cream.
Eckersley, who is in line for an international debut, is one of five uncapped players in the squad. The inclusion of fresh talent alongside established names reflects McDermott's belief that the group can evolve tactically.
The coaching change has brought a clear emphasis on seizing attacking opportunities. Smith explained how McDermott has worked with the spine to correct the issues that plagued the Ashes campaign.
Speaking to Brian as a spine and also individually, he felt like we missed quite a few opportunities in The Ashes where we were too deep on the add line and not ready to play. He wants us to take every play as an opportunity to score so I feel like that is what he is going to push for, especially when you are playing against Australia and New Zealand, those really good defensive teams. You don't get many chances to score so when that arrives and opens up you have to take it.
England's group-stage path is demanding. After facing Tonga in Perth on October 17, they will meet France on October 24 at the same venue, before travelling to Wollongong to play Papua New Guinea on October 30. Progression to the semi-finals will require victories in all three matches.
The opening clash against Tonga carries particular weight. Smith has faced the Tongans before and is aware of the physical challenge they present, especially for smaller players.
There is a lot of big lads there, especially for people like me. It is exciting, you want to start the tournament well. We start against a good team, we are looking forward to that challenge. I managed to play against them over here and it was really exciting, a really close game. Hopefully we can do the job again and get the win.
Despite Australia being installed as firm favourites, the England camp has adopted an uncompromising approach to the tournament. McDermott has made clear from the outset that the objective is to win the World Cup, not merely to compete.
Brian has pushed from the start that we are going out there to win the World Cup. From our first meeting he has said that we are here to win. That is the mentality you want and you need. Even though we are not the favourites, you need to go in with that mentality or there is no point showing up.
That winning mentality will be tested immediately. The squad McDermott has assembled includes seven Wigan Warriors players and a mix of experience and youth, with 2025 Super League Man of Steel Jake Connor missing out by a small margin, with Mikey Lewis selected instead. The balance between proven performers and emerging talent will be central to England's hopes of upsetting the established order.
What comes next
England's campaign begins on Saturday, October 17, at HBF Park in Perth with kick-off at 10:05 a.m. BST. The tournament structure allows six interchange players, though only four can be used during a match, adding another tactical layer to McDermott's planning. With the right execution of his game plan and the mentality Smith describes, England believe they can make a genuine challenge for the title.
