'He's shouting pick me' - has Lewis played way into England's Ashes team?
Mikey Lewis made his England debut in 2023 but could he be at the core of his national side against Australia?
Saturday's remarkable display for Hull KR has unquestionably solidified Mikey Lewis' position as a serious contender for England's Ashes lineup.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Coaches Weigh In on Lewis' Credentials
Mikey Lewis has made five England appearances, scoring two tries
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.
“Despite facing considerable criticism, this demonstrates the caliber of player we possess and his true character.
Salford Red Devils manager Paul Rowley believes Lewis has emphatically stated his selection argument amid intense competition.
“Mikey Lewis is essentially demanding selection, challenging coaches to overlook him at their peril,” Rowley observed.
“His actions confirm he belongs among top-tier athletes who deliver when it matters most.
“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 playmaker Mikey Lewis left Old Trafford after winning both the Super League Grand Final and the Rob Burrow Award for man of the match
