Is Lewis demanding selection for England's Ashes squad?

Mikey Lewis rugby action

Could Mikey Lewis become England's key player against Australia following his 2023 debut?

Any remaining uncertainty about Mikey Lewis' Ashes selection was definitively erased by his outstanding Hull KR performance this past weekend.

The influential 24-year-old playmaker opened the scoring for the Robins during their historic Super League Grand Final victory against Wigan Warriors.

That try, which came off the back of a stunning dummy, put the wheels in motion for Hull KR to register a stunning domestic treble and to write their name in the history books as they became only the fifth team to win in a Grand Final since its inception almost 30 years ago.

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.

National team coach Shaun Wane encounters difficult decisions for his starting formation against Australia at Wembley, with squad selection imminent this coming Monday.

Warrington's George Williams is England's captain, while Harry Smith - who himself scored on Saturday as Wigan threatened a second-half comeback - is also in contention alongside Lewis for a starting place.

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.

Expert Opinions on Lewis' Selection Claims

Mikey Lewis in action

With five England caps and two international tries, Mikey Lewis brings experience

A first Ashes series for almost 20 years is a big occasion and Hull KR head coach Willie Peters - who will be part of the Kangaroos' backroom team for the series - believes Lewis' performance on the Grand Final stage was a pivotal moment in his career.

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

“Lewis absolutely warrants inclusion, though accommodating all talented players proves challenging with limited positions available.”

Mikey Lewis with awards

Hull KR playmaker Mikey Lewis left Old Trafford after winning both the Super League Grand Final and the Rob Burrow Award for man of the match

Christopher Jacobs
Christopher Jacobs

A tech enthusiast and avid traveler sharing insights and stories from around the world.