BRIAN MCDERMOTT has revealed that his ‘smartest decision’ as England boss has been to bring in both Paul Wellens and Sean O’Loughlin as assistant coaches.
England begin their World Cup campaign against Tonga on Saturday, in what is McDermott’s first match in charge following his appointment in April.
Preparation has been intense, with players landing in Perth last Friday, and the England boss has credited the wisdom and experience of ex-St Helens stalwart Wellens and Wigan legend O’Loughlin in readying his squad for the tournament.
“The smartest decision I’ve made is to get Paul Wellens and Sean O’Loughlin on board,” admitted McDermott.
“In the top five of the most consistent performing international players, they would be in there.
“They won multiple trophies at a domestic level and when they played their representative stuff, they are two players that come out of any tournament with their heads held high.
“They are ultimate competitors. They have got a lot of wisdom and have been a huge part of what we have done so far.”
McDermott has confirmed his 22-man squad to face Tonga, with Harry Smith and George Williams getting the nod in the halves, and Mikey Lewis instead named on the extended bench.
“The most obvious reason Harry is in front of Mikey is he is a number seven and Mikey is a six rather than a generic half,” he explained of his team selection.
“Harry is a really good controlling seven, he will coordinate our team around the park and George is an outstanding six.
“Mikey will wait his turn and get a shot during the tournament so that’s nice and simple.
“The way we are going to play and the way I envisage us being good, it suits Mikey Lewis’ game.
“I don’t think picking Harry Smith at seven and George Williams at six would have raised too many eyebrows.
“Mikey has more than enough humility to add to the group. If he isn’t in the 13, the knows there is a role to play during the week in supporting George and Harry.”
