'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?

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.

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.

It leaves England boss Shaun Wane - who is set to name his squad on Monday - with a selection headache for his first starting line-up to face Australia when they meet at Wembley in 14 days' time.

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.

Professional Assessment of Lewis' National Team Prospects

Having appeared five times for England and crossed twice, Lewis possesses international pedigree

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.

“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.

“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.

“Lewis absolutely warrants inclusion, though accommodating all talented players proves challenging with limited positions available.”