Man of Steel Mikey Lewis might not have started on Sunday but he was involved from start to finish against Samoa.
From the pre-match ceremonies to scoring when subbed on, there was still more to come post-match as Lewis reconciled with Samoa’s Gordan Chan Kum Tong after the pair had gone head-to-head during the passionate Siva Tau.
Shaun Wane opted to carry Lewis on the bench in lieu of a hooker and that’s the role that the Hull KR star took when subbed on in the second half.
Despite claiming Super League’s top individual accolade, it’s hard to argue that Wane got the call wrong with his halves pairing of George Williams and Harry Smith performing spectacularly in the victory.
As such, Mikey Lewis was left to make an impact off the bench and he certainly did as he scored the sixth for England and the second of his international career to round out the 34-18 win.
Mikey Lewis and Samoan foe reunite in classy moment
A lot of that feistiness and tension had built up during Samoa’s Siva Tau which saw the visitors advance towards England and Lewis was one of several who refused to back down.
In fact, both he and Samoa’s Gordon Chan Kum Tong went head-to-head during the Siva Tau whilst Morgan Knowles was another who had to be separated from his Samoan counterpart.
However, after 80 minutes of hard-fought rugby league, Lewis and Chan Kum Tong reunited whilst the Hull KR man was performing his England media duties.
Talking fans through his try, Lewis was interrupted by Samoa’s hooker who presented him with a necklace of chocolate bars, known in Samoa as Ula Lole, a tradition to celebrate success. Rugby League fans might be familiar with them as they’ve featured heavily in Wigan’s celebrations this season.
On the try, Mikey Lewis explained: “We had seen the short side and Jack was calling for the ball and that support play is what I want to do and I was lucky enough to get over in the England jersey.
“It’s always a privilege to get over, it’s my second now and I’m feeling good about it.”
At that point, Chan Kum Tong would present him with his Ula Lole, with Lewis explaining: “That’s the boys isn’t it? That’s their culture, we embrace it.”
Fresh footage released by England Rugby League on social media has shown the pair embracing after the game and discussing that passionate Siva Tau.
“Thanks for taking me on,” Chan Kum Tong said as he approached Mikey Lewis, who responded: “That got me really pumped up.”
👏 Fierce competitors to respected opponents!
🙌 @mikeylewis32 & Gordon Chan Kum Tong showing us what rugby league is all about…
🏴 #EnglandRL pic.twitter.com/LFQK85KdY0
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 28, 2024