Harry Smith reveals McDermott’s attacking demand before England face Tonga

Harry Smith says Brian McDermott wants England to seize more attacking opportunities as they begin their Rugby League World Cup campaign against Tonga.

The Wigan half-back has outlined the head coach’s emphasis on reacting quickly when chances appear, following England’s 3–0 Ashes series defeat by Australia.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the World Cup, Smith explained that McDermott had identified occasions when England’s attacking players were positioned too deep and were not ready to exploit openings.

Harry Smith outlines England’s World Cup approach

Smith said McDermott had made winning the tournament the squad’s objective from their first meeting.

That ambition comes with a demand to make limited opportunities count against the strongest defensive sides.

“You don’t get many chances to score so when that arrives and opens up you have to take it,” Smith told Sky Sports.

Tonga provide the first examination of that approach in Perth on Saturday, with kick-off at 10:05am BST.

Smith partners George Williams against Tonga

Smith has been selected alongside captain George Williams in the halves, with AJ Brimson named at full-back and Brad O’Neill at hooker in the official England squad announcement.

Mikey Lewis was named among the additional reserves, leaving Smith and Williams with responsibility for directing England’s attack.

The selection also includes prospective international debutants Zach Eckersley, Hugo Savala, Max King and Sam Walters.

England’s options during the match will be governed by the World Cup’s six-player interchange bench rules, which allow only four of those substitutes to enter the field.

For Smith, the immediate task is to turn McDermott’s attacking instructions into an opening victory.