Is Lewis demanding selection for England's Ashes squad?

Mikey Lewis rugby action

Mikey Lewis made his England debut in 2023 but could he be at the core of his national side against Australia?

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

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

While Leeds' Jake Connor claimed the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel honor this season, Lewis earned the prestigious Rob Burrow Award for his outstanding Grand Final performance.

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.

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.

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

Expert Opinions on Lewis' Selection Claims

Mikey Lewis in action

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.

“When I declared Mikey Lewis has arrived, I referred to that significant moment,” Peters explained.

“No platform exceeds a Grand Final and he commanded that initial half.

“He cops a lot but it just shows the type of player we've got, who he is and what he's about.

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

“Mikey Lewis is shouting from the rooftops 'pick me', or 'don't pick me if you dare',” Rowley commented.

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

“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.”

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

Beverly Fernandez
Beverly Fernandez

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