Super League and NRL legend James Graham makes Mikey Lewis selection argument as key factor Ashes factor addressed

Super League legend, James Graham, has given his thoughts on who England’s starting halves should be when they take on Australia this weekend.

The former prop, who amassed 43 caps for England and Great Britain, believes that Hull KR playmaker, Lewis, should to be in the starting 13 at Wembley, following on from his Man-of-the-Match-winning performance against Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford.

George Williams is also expected to start, with a trimmed-down 19-man squad being released by Wane on Thursday afternoon, before the line-up is confirmed an hour and a half before kick-off on Saturday.

One player who won’t be making the team sheet on Saturday is Wigan half-back Harry Smith, after he was one of the five players left out of the preliminary squad.

Graham believes that Wane has got that call right, believing that the Robins talisman has to be the one who partners the England skipper, with Lewis having the ability to create a spark out of nothing, and being able to turn a game on it’s head, as he did in the Grand Final when he scored the opening try.

“I’m pretty sure George will be a guaranteed starter and will be the England captain,” he said, speaking to Fox Sports.  “He’s achieved so much. He’s had a quiet year at Warrington. They’ve been disappointing, but George stands up in an England shirt. He’s our captain. He will be there, I’m sure of that.

“…Mikey Lewis was absolutely lighting up the competition, winning the grand final. He had an amazing game in that big game at Old Trafford, so he is probably a big chance to start.”

Home advantage key for England says Super League legend

The series being held in the UK will only benefit England says Graham, who will be part of the BBC’s commentary line-up for the three Tests.

If the hosts are to win, it will take a tremendous effort from every player selected, and even then it may not be enough to match the Kangaroos’ firepower.

He said: “Look, rugby league isn’t played on paper, it’s played on grass. You look at that Australian side and my goodness me, Walsh, Munster, Cleary, Grant, Moses, Edwards, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, the names speak for themselves.

“England are going to have to tap into different areas of team collision sport that get you victories.

He later added: “It’s great that we’re at home, that is a huge advantage for us and not that many players having to travel over there,” Graham said.

“The NRL England representatives would have gone nice and early. They will be accustomed to the conditions, not so much jet lag. The crowds, the conditions, the weather, there’s lots that go into it.”

Asked what they have to do if they are to earn a series win, Graham said: “England are going to have to play their absolute best game to upset Australia and deny them momentum, deny them attacking opportunities and shut down their star players.”

“…Shaun Wane is not going to ask them to do anything that they’re not capable of doing, so that gives me a lot of confidence.”

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