'He's shouting pick me' - has Lewis played way into England's Ashes team?
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.
In a championship-winning performance, the 24-year-old star crossed first for Hull KR as they secured their maiden Super League Grand Final triumph over 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.
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.
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
Having appeared five times for England and crossed twice, Lewis possesses international pedigree
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.
“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.
According to Salford Red Devils' Paul Rowley, Lewis has powerfully presented his credentials despite numerous contenders.
“Mikey Lewis is essentially demanding selection, challenging coaches to overlook him at their peril,” Rowley observed.
“He's saying he can do it, he's a big player and he's doing it on the big stage.
“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
