'I earned my spot' - Lewis can be England hero after controversial selection

Nobody was more aware of how divisive the selection of Mikey Lewis for England's squad at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup was than the man himself.

The 25-year-old was picked by coach Brian McDermott as one of three half-back options alongside Harry Smith and captain George Williams, despite a Super League season pockmarked by inconsistency and disciplinary issues.

Lewis' selection ahead of 2025 Man Of Steel Jake Connor added fuel to the fire; the fact the Hull KR man was then left out of the squad for England's opening defeat to Tonga only added to the feeling of Lewis being more trouble than he was worth.