'He's shouting pick me' - has Lewis played way into England's Ashes team?
After making his England debut in 2023, is Mikey Lewis now positioned to lead against Australia?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Professional Assessment of Lewis' National Team Prospects
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.
“Selection must include Lewis somewhere, yet fitting numerous quality athletes into few spots presents difficulties.”
Hull KR's Mikey Lewis departed Old Trafford celebrating his Grand Final victory and Rob Burrow man-of-the-match honor
