Mikey Lewis' England prospects assessed with selection snub threat real
Hull Kingston Rovers half-back Mikey Lewis becoming 2024 Man of Steel was just reward, but the amount of English talent around means that securing game time for the national team will not be straightforward for him.
In positions Lewis has operated in during recent times, for club and country, England head coach Shaun Wane has some high-class options at his disposal. The regular Rovers half-back has tough competition in that area with George Williams and Harry Smith being strong contenders to start together there again.
The Grand Final was a masterclass in many ways by Smith as his kicking game in open play helped Wigan Warriors lay the ground for a hard-fought 9-2 victory. While Lewis has worked hard on his tactical kicking this season and delivered useful contributions, Smith was more effective at Old Trafford. And, although, Lewis has cut defences open this season on many occasions with his running threat, that was not replicated against a resilient Wigan on the biggest stage.
READ MORE:George King's new club confirmed after Hull KR exit
READ MORE:Hull KR's international players extending their season ahead of 2025
Wane's past selections show the value he places on both Williams and Smith. Williams being suspended this time last year opened the door for Lewis to make his England debut against Tonga in the first Test at St Helens, starting in the halves alongside Smith. England used Lewis to run at Tonga, possessing physically big units, as they tired. It was an impressive, man of the match performance in which the Hull KR player scored a try in a 22-18 win.
The Hull-born player's emotional, post-match comments - making reference to his family, similar to his Man of Steel winning speech - showed what it all meant to him. It was also a reflection on how far he had come and how quickly - and, with all his recent success, that is easy to forget sometimes. He still has time on his side. And he is still a developing player.
In the second Test, Lewis was back in the halves starting alongside Smith in that victory - but, for the third and final match, which completed a clean sweep, Smith and Williams were partners.
This summer's mid-season international against France had Williams back and starting alongside Smith again. On that occasion, Lewis was brought off the bench and played at hooker. A highlight was seeing him break through the line to set up Williams. But, even in that role, there is serious competition now with Daryl Clark and Danny Walker as options.
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has also spoken about his confidence in Lewis as a full-back, which is where he played for Rovers in the 2023 Challenge Cup final when they were edged out by Leigh Leopards. But Jack Welsby appears to be in a strong position there. Having said that, Lewis' utility value in all these areas would make him a useful bench option for sure.
Lewis' magic this season in a Robins shirt should make him a serious option as a starter and certainly as a bench option but it is not clear-cut with Wane having no shortage of high-quality contenders for an England shirt against strong opponents.
Click here - Get the latest news on our Rugby League Live WhatsApp channel