Mikey Lewis has been selected to start for England in their World Cup final against Australia on Saturday night, with the Hull KR star partnering George Williams in the halves
Shaun Wane is prepared to unleash Mikey Lewis against the Australians, declaring the Hull KR sensation has earned his opportunity.
Wane revealed at Wembley Stadium on Friday morning that Lewis would link up with George Williams in the halves for England, securing selection ahead of Wigan rival Harry Smith.
Lewis claimed man of the match honours in the Super League Grand Final and following his continued development in key areas of his game over recent seasons, Wane has opted to hand the 24 year old his moment.
It represents a massive opportunity for Lewis, who has previously been third in the pecking order, with Williams and Smith establishing a solid combination.
In that respect, it’s a bold decision by Wane as well, though one he’s convinced is correct, reports All Out Rugby League.
“I’m a big Harry Smith fan; I’ve always picked Harry,” Wane said. “But I think at the end of the season Mikey’s form has been better. His kicking game has improved, and everything I’ve asked Mikey to improve on over the last few years, he has done. I’m a man of my word and I’ve done what I said I would do.”
Wane also revealed Owen Trout would receive his England debut, with the Leigh Leopards forward recognised for his outstanding displays with a first cap.
“Owen Trout is going to play, there’s a few players I’m excited about and Mikey is one of them. But we’re up against the best of the best from a competition I love so it’s a test of my coaching ability as well. I’m super excited.”
England chose not to train at Wembley the day before the match, opting against taking to the pitch despite having the chance to do so.
The England squad didn’t visit the stadium at all on Friday, with Wane and his coaching team deciding to scrap a familiarisation session to give the players some rest time.
Explaining his choice, Wane said: “Minus one is day off for the players. All the players have been here before, they’ve all played here and seen it. So they’ve got free time for massage and recovery to get over the week so hopefully they’re fresh for tomorrow.
“We’ve had a full-on week and I’ve learnt a lot from the Samoa test match when we got beaten in the semi-finals. We’ve reflected hard on that defeat and hopefully we’ve got it right this time.
“Get some fresh air, get out of the hotel and get some sunshine on their face then relax in the afternoon, we’ve got a shirt presentation tonight.”
When the match kicks off, Wane’s message is straightforward.
“We’re going to have to go for 80 minutes and that’s a mistake England and Great Britain have made, we’ve been really good for periods but we need to get rid of that mentality.
“Australia are a very dangerous team, it’s going to be very attritional. We cannot make errors, but neither can they. Hopefully it’s two evenly matched teams and the referee will play a little part in it and the best team is going to win.”