Though some have been critical of England’s performances against Tonga, stars from Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves have all shone in two wins over Kristian Woolf’s side.
In game one, from the start Hull KR halfback Mikey Lewis shone with his brilliant run paving the way for Toby King to score the opening try. King was reminding Warrington what he can do as he prepares to return to the club after a loan with Wigan.
Lewis though was showing the international stage what he can do after the Tongan squad said they didn’t know who he was. The halfback scored England’s second try of the first test burrowing under after a lovely sweeping move.
In the second half, Tom Johnstone scored a brace of tries to lead England to victory and likely underline the recent NRL interest in him.
In the second test it was fellow winger and Warrington flyer Matty Ashton who scored twice for England as they claimed the win 14-4. But it was his centre who has been making the headlines and impressed again with his display.
Leeds centre Harry Newman assisted Ashton for his first try and had plenty of lovely runs after he had been linked with a move to the NRL himself in the days before the game.
He is one of three players who has been quietly impressive during the Test Series without scoring. One of them is Jack Welsby who caught the eye with a magnificent assist for Johnstone in the first game and a captain’s display dealing with the conditions masterfully.
Speaking of which, Wigan halfback Harry Smith has been somewhat overshadowed by Lewis’ display but has been arguably better overall given his kicking game in both games and his management of the conditions in Game Two.
It is things like this that has seen him, like Newman and Welsby, linked with the NRL and after the series that interest has increased with an NRL recruitment officer even in the UK to sign one of the trio according to the Daily Telegraph. Any would be a massive loss to Super League.
