'He's shouting pick me' - has Lewis played way into England's Ashes team?

Mikey Lewis rugby action

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

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.

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

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.

Additionally, Connor has compelling claims for selection following a sophisticated season where he guided the Rhinos to their initial top-four placement since 2017.

Professional Assessment of Lewis' National Team Prospects

Mikey Lewis in action

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.

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

“Grand Finals represent the ultimate stage and he completely dominated the opening period.

“Despite facing considerable criticism, this demonstrates the caliber of player we possess and his true character.

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

“Lewis is virtually proclaiming 'select me' while daring anyone to exclude him,” Rowley noted.

“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.”

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

Emily Terrell
Emily Terrell

Financial analyst with over a decade of experience in investment management and wealth advisory, specializing in market trends.