Mikey Lewis will be in England’s Ashes squad – but that’s not enough for one of his Hull KR team-mates.
England will struggle against reigning world champions Australia in the upcoming Ashes series if Mikey Lewis does not play, insists Hull KR team-mate and Papua New Guinea international Rhyse Martin.
Lewis, 24, delivered on the biggest domestic stage on Saturday, inspiring his side to a 24-6 Grand Final victory over Wigan Warriors and securing a historic treble.
Hull KR became only the fifth club to be crowned Super League champions, with Lewis central to their performance at Old Trafford. The influential playmaker denied Bevan French an opening try in the 12th minute, before a darting run saw him score the first points of the game. He later capped his performance by winning the prestigious Rob Burrow Award.
England head coach Shaun Wane has confirmed that Lewis will be included in his squad for the much-anticipated Ashes series, which kicks off at Wembley on October 25 after a 22-year absence.
But Martin believes inclusion isn’t enough – Lewis must start if England are to compete with Kevin Walters’ star-studded Australian side this autumn.
Wane is set to confirm his full 24-man squad on Monday, while 2024 Man of Steel Lewis made his international debut in 2023 in the series against Tonga and has since won a total of five caps.
“He proved why he’s one of the best players in the competition with that first try of his,” Martin said. “Mikey is just such a handful.
“One-on-one, you just can’t tackle him yourself, because he’s got speed and he’s powerful.
“It’s a no-brainer. If he doesn’t start, then they probably struggle against the Aussies.”
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