BRIAN McDERMOTT believes Mikey Lewis is a “tremendous player” after adding him to England’s bench for Saturday’s clash with France.
Despite the 30-12 defeat to Tonga last week leaving England on the brink of an early World Cup exit, McDermott is continuing with George Williams and Harry Smith in the halves.
The only starting line-up change will be Warrington Wolves winger Matty Ashton coming in for Wigan Warriors’ Zach Eckersley.
However, Hull KR star Lewis will be on the bench, having now replaced Wigan’s Eckersley on the extended substitutes’ list.
McDermott was asked on Thursday if he had considered playing Hull KR star Lewis against France – something which is now likely to happen from the bench – to which he responded: “For sure.
“Mikey Lewis is a tremendous player and you’ve got to wonder whether he’d give us something that we haven’t got.
“For sure it’s been considered but I thought George (Williams) was good. I know he was involved in a couple of errors when we started playing too hot but I think he’s been unfairly assessed.
“I thought Harry Smith was really good. We were coordinated both in yardage attack and good ball attack.
“We got held up over the line four times in the game and there was another try-saver from Tonga.”
On Lewis further, McDermott said: “It was a frustrating end to the season for him but he won a World Club Challenge at the start of the year and was involved in a final.
“He’s been great around the camp and knows his role. He’s shown a lot of humility in the camp, as have a few other players.
“He’s been really good to work with.”
