Could Lewis' performance secure his Ashes spot with England?

Mikey Lewis rugby action

Mikey Lewis made his England debut in 2023 but could he be at the core of his national side against Australia?

If there was any lingering doubt Mikey Lewis would be in contention to start for England in the first Test of the Ashes series against Australia in two weeks' time then his performance for Hull KR on Saturday surely put paid to that.

The talismanic 24-year-old scored the Robins' first try as his side beat Wigan Warriors to win the Super League Grand Final for the first time.

Following an exceptional dummy move that led to his try, Hull KR gained momentum to achieve a remarkable domestic treble, entering the record books as just the fifth Grand Final champion in nearly three decades.

England Boss Faces Tough Choices

Although he fell just short of retaining the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award, which went to Leeds' Jake Connor, he secured the Rob Burrow Award as Grand Final man of the match.

It leaves England boss Shaun Wane - who is set to name his squad on Monday - with a selection headache for his first starting line-up to face Australia when they meet at Wembley in 14 days' time.

With George Williams of Warrington serving as England captain and Harry Smith also impressing during Wigan's second-half resurgence, Lewis faces stiff competition for starting positions.

Meanwhile, Connor will feel as if he has earned the right for a call-up himself off the back of a mature and impressive season in which he helped the Rhinos to their first top-four finish since 2017.

Coaches Weigh In on Lewis' Credentials

Mikey Lewis in action

Mikey Lewis has made five England appearances, scoring two tries

With the historic Ashes revival after twenty years approaching, Hull KR's Willie Peters (set to assist the Kangaroos) considers Lewis' championship performance a transformative career milestone.

“My comment about Mikey Lewis arriving specifically addressed that pivotal occasion,” Peters clarified.

“It doesn't get bigger than a Grand Final and he owned that first half.

“He cops a lot but it just shows the type of player we've got, who he is and what he's about.

According to Salford Red Devils' Paul Rowley, Lewis has powerfully presented his credentials despite numerous contenders.

“Mikey Lewis is shouting from the rooftops 'pick me', or 'don't pick me if you dare',” Rowley commented.

“He's saying he can do it, he's a big player and he's doing it on the big stage.

“Mikey Lewis has got to be in there somewhere, but it's hard to squeeze all these good players in - there are only a few positions for quite a few players.”

Mikey Lewis with awards

Following his Super League championship win and Rob Burrow Award recognition, Mikey Lewis exited Old Trafford triumphant

April Powell
April Powell

A clinical psychologist and writer passionate about mental wellness and mindfulness practices.