MIKEY LEWIS has hit back at his critics after claiming he has ‘earned’ his spot in the England side.
Much was made of the Hull KR star’s inclusion in Brian McDermott’s 23-man World Cup squad, especially considering Leeds Rhinos talisman Jake Connor had been left at home following a stellar season.
Though Lewis readily admits he did not reach his own high standards in a season that saw the Robins drop to a sixth-placed Super League finish and fail to retain any of the trophies won during their treble-winning 2025, he believes he has done enough to warrant his call-up.
“The way my year went wasn’t really the best, I don’t need anyone else to tell me” conceded the halfback, who saw his season marred by suspension but still scored 20 tries and 24 goals in 26 appearances.
“I just had to put myself in the shop window but I have earned my spot.
“I’ll always represent my country to the best of my ability. I was told to run with the ball, and I wanted to play with a smile on my face.”
The 25-year-old was not included in the squad for England’s opening defeat to Tonga but was promoted to the bench for Saturday’s 82-0 thrashing of France, being introduced to good effect for the final quarter of the match.
McDermott’s men will need to rack up a similar scoreline against Papua New Guinea on Friday if they are to make it to the semi-finals, although they will still have to rely on Tonga beating Samoa to do so.
Lewis explained: “Last week the hard work was done (before he came on).
“My job was to go and cause havoc – that was my instruction, and I did that.
“I might get different instructions this week, but I’ll do it, because I am proud to play for my country.
“20 minutes is 20 minutes for England, I don’t really care that it’s only 20 minutes.”
