'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?

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.

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.

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.

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

With five England caps and two international tries, Mikey Lewis brings experience

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.

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

“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 boss Paul Rowley thinks that despite a crowded line-up of players bidding to start, Lewis has convincingly made his case.

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

“He's demonstrating his capability as an elite performer excelling in high-pressure situations.

“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.”