Mikey Lewis gives brief England update as new Hull KR leadership role emerges

Mikey Lewis has confirmed that he’s not thought about how his recent time on the sideline has impacted his chances of representing England at this year’s World Cup, instead insisting that his focus is now at getting back on the field.

Lewis will play on Friday night for the first time since the midweek loss to Warrington in August, a game that saw him cop a two-game ban that has ultimately left him sidelined for the past two games.

He was eligible to play in the round 24 clash against Toulouse but was left out by Willie Peters but the Hull KR head coach has now put his faith in Mikey Lewis, confirming that he will captain the side on Friday night.

It’s a new form of responsibility for Lewis, who at 25 will be among the senior players in a vastly changed 21-man squad, and it’s a role that the playmaker is relishing.

“I think I’m the oldest, I think it’s me and Lee Kershaw,” Mikey Lewis told media on Thursday.

“I said to the lads this morning that it’s about when you step on that field and represent this badge, it comes with a massive responsibility and an opportunity to go down in history.

“It’s a fantastic group, they’ve worked really hard this week to make sure we’re fully prepared to go out tomorrow night and do the club proud and that’s what we want to do.”

Dissecting Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors, St Helens miss the six and Wakefield make statement – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show

Mikey Lewis confirms he’s ‘not thought about’ England chances as focus underlined

As well as being a great responsibility to skipper his hometown club, it will also be an opportunity to get some valuable minutes under the belt for Mikey Lewis, who has played just once since late July.

Those minutes will be crucial in putting himself back in the frame for an England call-up, especially given George Williams’ strong return to form.

When asked how he felt the last couple of months had left him in terms of the England landscape, Lewis admitted: “I don’t know. I’ve not really thought about it. I just wanted to get back on the field.”

Lewis was one of three Hull KR players in the extended 38-man performance squad selected by Brian McDermott shortly after the new England boss landed the role, and when asked about his communications with his new coach, Lewis confirmed:  “Yeah, I spoke to him a couple of times.”

Whether Lewis is in or out of the England squad is to be seen but as he referenced, his focus is on getting back on field and he’ll have a big task in guiding a young squad around the park at St Helens on Friday night.

He admitted: “It’s a different type of energy. They’re real keen and full of energy and they just want to play and I think that’s the best thing to play.

“They want to get out there tomorrow to make their family proud because most of them are making their debuts. It will be a fantastic opportunity for them and they’ve got to take it by two hands and do themselves proud.”

As for what Friday night is all about, he said: “Just doing the badge proud, doing the effort areas, competing to win and just playing like the normal game of rugby and still being a Hull KR side – being at a connected team like we always are.”