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If there was any lingering doubt Mikey Lewis would be in contention to start for England in the first Test of the Ashes series against Australia in two weeks' time then his performance for Hull KR on Saturday surely put paid to that.

In a championship-winning performance, the 24-year-old star crossed first for Hull KR as they secured their maiden Super League Grand Final triumph over Wigan Warriors.

Following an exceptional dummy move that led to his try, Hull KR gained momentum to achieve a remarkable domestic treble, entering the record books as just the fifth Grand Final champion in nearly three decades.

National Team Manager Confronts Selection Challenge

While Leeds' Jake Connor claimed the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel honor this season, Lewis earned the prestigious Rob Burrow Award for his outstanding Grand Final performance.

It leaves England boss Shaun Wane - who is set to name his squad on Monday - with a selection headache for his first starting line-up to face Australia when they meet at Wembley in 14 days' time.

Warrington's George Williams is England's captain, while Harry Smith - who himself scored on Saturday as Wigan threatened a second-half comeback - is also in contention alongside Lewis for a starting place.

Meanwhile, Connor will feel as if he has earned the right for a call-up himself off the back of a mature and impressive season in which he helped the Rhinos to their first top-four finish since 2017.

Professional Assessment of Lewis' National Team Prospects

The upcoming Ashes series, the first in nearly two decades, represents a monumental event, with Hull KR coach Willie Peters (joining Australia's coaching staff) viewing Lewis' Grand Final display as career-defining.

“When I declared Mikey Lewis has arrived, I referred to that significant moment,” Peters explained.

“Grand Finals represent the ultimate stage and he completely dominated the opening period.

“He cops a lot but it just shows the type of player we've got, who he is and what he's about.

Salford Red Devils manager Paul Rowley believes Lewis has emphatically stated his selection argument amid intense competition.

“Lewis is virtually proclaiming 'select me' while daring anyone to exclude him,” Rowley noted.

“He's saying he can do it, he's a big player and he's doing it on the big stage.

“Mikey Lewis has got to be in there somewhere, but it's hard to squeeze all these good players in - there are only a few positions for quite a few players.”