Ash Handley on his England hopes, Brian McDermott's plans and Leeds Rhinos' Grand Final bid

That fact is not lost on Brian McDermott's England hopefuls as they look to prove they have what it takes to represent their country on the biggest stage when domestic pressure peaks.

Ash Handley is in that number after a stellar season for Leeds Rhinos. He knows McDermott well, having made his Super League debut under the England coach back in 2014, but the slate is clean for every player at the start of a new era for the national team.

Quite what McDermott's England will look like, however, is difficult to know.

There will be no warm-up games for England and not even a training session before the squad heads to Australia, meaning McDermott's players will meet for the first time as a group when they arrive Down Under.

For now, the clearest indication of what he has in mind has come through a boxing analogy.

McDermott has spoken of Tyson Fury's shock win over Wladimir Klitschko and the way the former heavyweight champion found a different approach to overcome an opponent who had previously appeared unbeatable.

England, he says, must do something similar when they face their rivals in Australia.

The plan has at least been shared with his performance squad, not that Handley is about to give anything away.

"He has," said the Rhinos captain with a smile. "But I'm not going to tell you.

"He's a big boxing guy – he loves his boxing. He's pretty funny with his analogies. He's good at getting his point across.

"He's a great coach and very detailed about what he expects from a group. He'll have a very meticulous game plan that he will expect everyone to follow.

"He'll be very well prepared. I do remember that his game plans were very specific depending on the team we were playing.

"I think he'll be great for us."

McDermott is already on the other side of the world, doubling up as an assistant coach with Gold Coast Titans while preparing England from afar.

His contact with the performance squad has therefore been remote, although that has not stopped him from beginning the mental preparation for what lies ahead.

"We've been doing a little bit with (performance systems manager) Carl Jennings," said Handley.

"There's been some psychology stuff and little nuances that we can use during the World Cup.

"It's a little bit different because we're not having face-to-face meetings but I don't think it would make that much difference. Every other team is probably in the same position."

Ironically, given the lack of preparation time, Handley won his two England caps in mid-season internationals against France.

A strong year with Leeds earned him Dream Team recognition and has strengthened his case for a place in McDermott's final squad. His ability to cover multiple positions across the backline could further enhance his prospects.

"I've enjoyed playing centre but I've got a bit of flexibility," said the 30-year-old.

"There are a few players who can play a few different positions. That always helps.

"There are loads of great players in contention. Hopefully I can force my way in there.

"This is the pinnacle of international rugby. It would mean a lot to me to play in a World Cup.

"It comes around every four years – and I might be a bit old for the next one!"

Handley's flexibility has been called upon by Rhinos boss Brad Arthur at the business end of the Super League season following Lachie Miller's untimely injury.

His first appearance at full-back since 2023 ended in defeat against Hull FC in the final round of the regular campaign. But a weekend off to sharpen connections in a rejigged backline has offered Handley an opportunity to improve on his reintroduction to the role.

"I enjoyed it," he said at last week's play-off launch. "I was involved a lot. I thought I was pretty good in terms of positioning. I can obviously catch a ball no problem.

"It's just the execution bits I want to nail. I've not really had many reps there at all for three years. I'll have a bit more time there during this break. You can't do everything you want to do in a week where you've got a game at the end of it. The break will be very beneficial for us."

For all the talk about Leeds' recent three-game losing run at Headingley and their record in knockout matches, they stand 80 minutes from a return to Old Trafford after a timely chance to recharge.

Handley insists they are relishing the opportunity to secure a Grand Final place against Warrington Wolves on home soil.

"We love it," he said. "This is what you want – to be in these big games.

"We just need to nail our jobs. In the last few home games, individually we haven't done that to the standard that we expect.

"If we want to be at Old Trafford, we need to nail our roles as individuals."