Is Lewis demanding selection for England's Ashes squad?
Could Mikey Lewis become England's key player against Australia following his 2023 debut?
Saturday's remarkable display for Hull KR has unquestionably solidified Mikey Lewis' position as a serious contender for England's Ashes lineup.
The influential 24-year-old playmaker opened the scoring for the Robins during their historic Super League Grand Final victory against Wigan Warriors.
His brilliant dummy-set try initiated Hull KR's path to an extraordinary domestic triple crown, establishing them historically among the elite five Grand Final winners over the past thirty years.
National Team Manager Confronts Selection Challenge
He may not have been named this season's Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel, narrowly missing out on the honour he won in 2024 to Leeds' Jake Connor, but he won the Rob Burrow Award for man of the match in the Grand Final.
England manager Shaun Wane, preparing to announce his squad Monday, now faces significant selection challenges for the inaugural Ashes Test at Wembley in two weeks.
England captain George Williams from Warrington remains a certainty, while Harry Smith's scoring performance during Wigan's comeback attempt places him alongside Lewis in the selection conversation.
Connor also presents a strong case for inclusion after a polished campaign that returned the Rhinos to top-four contention for the first time in six years.
Coaches Weigh In on Lewis' Credentials
Mikey Lewis has made five England appearances, scoring two tries
The upcoming Ashes series, the first in nearly two decades, represents a monumental event, with Hull KR coach Willie Peters (joining Australia's coaching staff) viewing Lewis' Grand Final display as career-defining.
“I said out there that Mikey Lewis has arrived and what I meant was, that was a big moment,” Peters stated.
“It doesn't get bigger than a Grand Final and he owned that first half.
“He withstands much scrutiny yet this reveals his authentic qualities and competitive nature.
According to Salford Red Devils' Paul Rowley, Lewis has powerfully presented his credentials despite numerous contenders.
“Mikey Lewis is essentially demanding selection, challenging coaches to overlook him at their peril,” Rowley observed.
“He's demonstrating his capability as an elite performer excelling in high-pressure situations.
“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.”
Hull KR's Mikey Lewis departed Old Trafford celebrating his Grand Final victory and Rob Burrow man-of-the-match honor
