Rugby league fans in agreement with key Shaun Wane call as Mikey Lewis set for Ashes start

A 19-man squad announcement revealed the first five players who won’t feature in the first Test, before a further two are omitted from the squad on gameday, leaving the final 17 to take to the field.

Joe Burgess, Kallum Watkins, Harry Newman and Morgan Smithies are not included in the initial 19, but the shock name to miss out is Wigan Warriors half-back Harry Smith. The 25-year-old has been an ever-present in Wane’s England side since the 2022 World Cup, but that record will end on Saturday afternoon, when he will watch on from the stands. In his place is expected to be Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis, who will make his sixth England appearance if selected.

The decision, as controversial as it is, has actually been plauded by English rugby league fans, with the majority welcoming Lewis’s inclusion with open arms, believing he deserved his spot based on recent form.

Lewis picked up the Rob Burrow award for Player of the Match in the Grand Final, with Wane going on record after his 24-man squad selection that his efforts in that game cemented his place in the camp.

We asked Serious About Rugby League viewers on Facebook whether they believed Lewis over Smith was the correct decision, and there was plenty of fans in support of the Robins talisman.

Rugby league fans agree as Mikey Lewis set for starting jersey at Wembley

The majority of fans that do agree think that Smith’s inconsistent form at Wigan has led to him not being selected. On the other hand, Lewis has shown he can produce big moments in big games, something he will need to do on Saturday when representing his nation.

Mickey Horner: Right call. Smith not been right all year. You can’t just kick the Aussies to death and defend you have to actually go after them and attack! That’s the only way we’ve succeeded in the past. Lewis will be a handful for them.

Nick Flack:  Yep. Wigan fan here, but fairs

Kirsty Jane Fleetham: Not even a question for me Mikey has leaps and bounds better than both smith and Williams in last two seasons against Tonga and Samoa he’s given England that unexpected moments

Darren John: Defo Smith shouldn’t be picked not good enough, Williams & Lewis all the way

Bill Kenyon: I think he [Lewis]’s earned his place and gives the team an unpredictable element to it

Andrew Holden: Yes. Smith is too slow. Lewis has pace and a cracking step

Sam Whitehouse: Sure we will find out soon enough. George needs to steer the ship and let Mikey play his eyes up stuff and let’s see

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