‘Tough times motivate you’: Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis revels in England chance

There is a smile on Mikey Lewis’s face and a sense of disbelief in his voice when he is asked to recall his journey to a possible Test debut for England on Sunday. The Hull KR half-back, one of the most exciting players in Super League, is likely to get the nod in Shaun Wane’s side for the opening game of the three-match series against Tonga, capping a remarkable rise.

Two summers ago, Lewis was not even a Super League player, having been sent out to the Championship to learn his craft with York. Even before that, Lewis’s career had experienced its share of highs and lows, with him almost walking away from the sport. Unable to even secure a place at his amateur side, West Hull, his childhood dream was fading.

“I’d completely lost the love for it,” the 22-year-old says. “I just didn’t enjoy it. Nobody enjoys getting left out of the team at any level, let alone when you’re a kid and you just want to play. But fortunately I had some good people around me who kept spurring me on and supporting me. My parents in particular, they instilled a lot of good things into me and helped get me back on track.

“I don’t have a clue what I’d have done without rugby. I still think about it now: where would my life have gone if I’d decided to quit West Hull and forgot about rugby league? In a way, those tough times have helped get me to this point because it’s made me grateful that I can do what I love for a job. Those tough times can really motivate you when things get difficult in your career.”

Shortly after his loan spell at York, Lewis was thrust into an injury-hit Hull KR team aged 20, ultimately helping guide them to a place in the 2021 playoffs. In two years, Lewis has gone from a relative unknown to one of the stars of the competition, with his form this season – he played a pivotal role in Hull KR reaching the Challenge Cup final and the Super League semi-finals – catching the eye of the national selectors.

England has perhaps come earlier than many expected for Lewis, including the player himself. “It’s been quite surreal, mixing with players I’ve watched play for England since a young age,” he says with a smile. “When I got the call from Shaun I couldn’t quite believe it – I was out walking my dog and was just lost for words. It still hasn’t sunk in really.”

Quick GuideEngland v Tonga: probable lineupsShow

England Welsby; Johnstone, Newman, King, Makinson; Lewis, Smith; Burgess, Walker, Lees, Whitehead, Bateman, RadleyInterchange McMeeken, Clark, Farrell, Hill

Tonga Koula; Tupou, Hoopte, Suli, Penisini; Lolohea, I Katoa; Fonua-Blake, Havili, Fotuaika, Kolomatangi, Frizell, KaufusiInterchange Fainu, E Katoa, Sele, Tatola

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A Lewis Test debut at St Helens would symbolise the fresh start for England after the disappointment of last November’s World Cup semi-final defeat. Others making their bow include the Leeds centre Harry Newman in a squad that has 12 changes from last year’s tournament. Mainstays such as Tom Burgess and Elliott Whitehead remain, but Wane has stressed that the next World Cup in 2026 is in mind and Lewis has the opportunity to show he is part of that future. As if to underline that, St Helens’ Jack Welsby, also 22, will captain the side in the absence of the suspended George Williams.

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Wane is keen for his new-look group to show they have buried the demons from the defeat by Samoa, but they face a stern test against a Tonga side packed with physicality and experience in the NRL. Emerge through this three-match series successfully and hopes will be high the journey to the next World Cup can be a promising one.