England Rugby League head coach Brian McDermott has expressed dissatisfaction with the structure of the ongoing Rugby League World Cup. In recent comments, McDermott characterized the tournament's format as 'harsh,' suggesting that the current setup places his team at a disadvantage regarding their ability to progress through the competition stages.

While the specific details of which aspects of the format are considered most problematic were not fully elaborated upon in the initial reports, McDermott's remarks highlight a growing frustration regarding the logistical and competitive hurdles faced by the squad. The coach’s assessment suggests that the path to the knockout rounds is narrower than anticipated, potentially impacting the team's morale and strategic planning. As the tournament continues, the debate over whether the current format balances fairness with competitive intensity remains a point of discussion among coaching staff and tournament organizers. No official response from the tournament governing body regarding these specific criticisms has been provided at this time.