Mikey Lewis has defended his inclusion in England's Rugby League World Cup squad, maintaining that his performances have justified his selection despite restricted game time in the tournament's early stages.
The Hull KR playmaker, who won the 2024 Man of Steel award, endured a difficult 2026 Super League campaign but was handed a place in Brian McDermott's World Cup squad. According to Sky Sports, Lewis was initially overlooked for England's opening fixture against Tonga, which ended in a 30-12 defeat, and was again left out of the squad for the France match before a late change saw him named among the replacements.
When Lewis did get his opportunity against France, he made an immediate impact. The 25-year-old took to the field for the final 20 minutes and scored two tries as England delivered a dominant 82-0 victory. According to Yahoo Sports, Lewis produced 17 tries and 14 assists across 20 Super League appearances during the 2026 season, though he also accumulated four yellow cards, the most in the division.
For Friday's crucial encounter with Papua New Guinea in Wollongong, Lewis has again been included on the bench. Speaking to the media, the playmaker reflected on his journey back into contention.
The way my year went wasn't really the best, I don't need anyone else to tell me. I just had to put myself in the shop window. I have earned my spot.
Lewis emphasised his commitment to representing his country, regardless of the minutes he receives.
I'll always represent my country to the best of my ability. I was told to run with the ball, and I wanted to play with a smile on my face. Last week the hard work was done, my job was to go and cause havoc - that was my instruction, and I did that. I might get different instructions this week, but I'll do it, because I am proud to play for my country - 20 minutes is 20 minutes for England, I don't really care it's only 20 minutes.
McDermott has publicly acknowledged Lewis's attitude in the squad environment. The England head coach noted that the playmaker had demonstrated "humility" during the tournament and had endured "a frustrating end to the season." Lewis's selection was debated partly because he was chosen ahead of 2025 Man of Steel Jake Connor, who was omitted from the squad entirely.
England's semi-final hopes hang in the balance
England's World Cup campaign now faces a critical juncture. Following their opening loss to Tonga, the prospect of a first-ever group-stage elimination loomed large. The 82-0 demolition of France has kept their hopes alive, but progression to the semi-finals remains far from certain.
The tournament's unusual format merges Groups B and C into a single six-team table, with only the top two advancing. England currently hold two points and must secure a convincing victory over Papua New Guinea on Friday, coupled with favourable results elsewhere, to have any realistic chance of progressing.
The mathematics are stark. Samoa's opening victory over France by 78-4, followed by a 64-6 win over Papua New Guinea, has given them a formidable +132 point difference. England's 82-0 success against France has lifted them to a +64 points difference, leaving them 68 points adrift of Samoa heading into the final round.
England must beat Papua New Guinea and do so by a substantial margin. A victory would take them to four points, level with both Samoa and Tonga. However, their fate would then depend on Sunday's clash between Tonga and Samoa in Sydney. A Samoa win would eliminate England, while a Tonga victory would mean the points difference decides second spot.
England do not necessarily require a 68-point victory, but achieving that margin would mean any Samoa defeat would guarantee their progression. A smaller winning margin would require Samoa to lose by an even greater score, depending on England's final points difference.
Lewis remains optimistic about England's prospects despite the challenging scenario.
We just have to go out and do what we have planned. It will be a tough game, but we have the strike and desire. We have a fighting chance, we believe in that. So, we just have to put the hard work in. It is a unique position, so just enjoy that.
What happens next
England face Papua New Guinea on Friday, 30 October, at WIN Stadium in Wollongong. Papua New Guinea opened their tournament with a 42-18 win over Lebanon before suffering a heavy 6-64 defeat to Samoa. The outcome of England's match, combined with the Tonga-Samoa fixture scheduled for Sunday, 1 November, will determine whether McDermott's squad advances to the semi-finals.
