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If there was any lingering doubt Mikey Lewis would be in contention to start for England in the first Test of the Ashes series against Australia in two weeks' time then his performance for Hull KR on Saturday surely put paid to that.

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.

His brilliant dummy-set try initiated Hull KR's path to an extraordinary domestic triple crown, establishing them historically among the elite five Grand Final winners over the past thirty years.

Selection Dilemma for England Coach

While Leeds' Jake Connor claimed the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel honor this season, Lewis earned the prestigious Rob Burrow Award for his outstanding Grand Final performance.

England manager Shaun Wane, preparing to announce his squad Monday, now faces significant selection challenges for the inaugural Ashes Test at Wembley in two weeks.

Warrington's George Williams is England's captain, while Harry Smith - who himself scored on Saturday as Wigan threatened a second-half comeback - is also in contention alongside Lewis for a starting place.

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.

Expert Opinions on Lewis' Selection Claims

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.

“I said out there that Mikey Lewis has arrived and what I meant was, that was a big moment,” Peters stated.

“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.

Salford Red Devils manager Paul Rowley believes Lewis has emphatically stated his selection argument amid intense competition.

“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.

“Mikey Lewis has got to be in there somewhere, but it's hard to squeeze all these good players in - there are only a few positions for quite a few players.”