Lewis: I deserved my place in the England squad

Hull KR's 2024 Man of Steel award winner Mikey Lewis said he deserved his place in England's squad at the Rugby League World Cup, despite limited game time. The 25-year-old had not found his form in the 2026 Super League season, but was still included in Brian McDermott's squad.

Lewis was not in the matchday squad for England's opening game, a 30-12 defeat to Tonga. For the second match against France, he was initially left off the bench as well. However, a last-minute change added him to the substitutes, and he came on for the final 20 minutes. Lewis scored two tries in the match, which ended in an 82-0 England win.

Lewis said nobody needed to tell him about the difficult season he had been through. He stressed that he had taken his chance to show what he could do and that he deserved his place. Saying he would always represent his country to the best of his ability, Lewis added that he had followed the instructions he was given and wanted to play on the pitch with a smile.

Lewis said 20 minutes was important for England and that the short time did not bother him. Head coach McDermott praised the humility Lewis showed in camp, adding that the end of the season had been a disappointment for the player. The team now turns its focus to Friday's match against Papua New Guinea, where a big win is needed to keep their semi-final hopes alive.