Could Lewis' performance secure his Ashes spot with England?
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.
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.
Selection Dilemma for England Coach
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.
National team coach Shaun Wane encounters difficult decisions for his starting formation against Australia at Wembley, with squad selection imminent this coming Monday.
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.
Meanwhile, Connor will feel as if he has earned the right for a call-up himself off the back of a mature and impressive season in which he helped the Rhinos to their first top-four finish since 2017.
Expert Opinions on Lewis' Selection Claims
Having appeared five times for England and crossed twice, Lewis possesses international pedigree
With the historic Ashes revival after twenty years approaching, Hull KR's Willie Peters (set to assist the Kangaroos) considers Lewis' championship performance a transformative career milestone.
“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.
Salford Red Devils boss Paul Rowley thinks that despite a crowded line-up of players bidding to start, Lewis has convincingly made his case.
“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.”
Following his Super League championship win and Rob Burrow Award recognition, Mikey Lewis exited Old Trafford triumphant
