‘I was celebrating Grand Final when I got England call-up’

After helping Hull KR win their historic treble, Mikey Lewis had yet to go to bed when he discovered a second reason to celebrate.

After playing the pivotal role in their Super League Grand Final victory over Wigan to wrap up his club’s sensational season, the 24-year-old is the man of the moment in English rugby league.

With England renowned for its central roles and its wealth of talent, it was up for debate whether he would be called up for the first Rugby League Ashes series in 22 years despite his success.

Before receiving the good news from coach Shaun Wane, Lewis never had doubts that he would play in the first Ashes series since 2003.

Before the first game of the three-game series at the national stadium, he declared to BBC Sport, “I was confident I would get a call up.”

“I already knew I had to play well, and I succeeded.” I’m proud and honored to be a part of this.

When Wane called me up it was Sunday morning and I hadn’t gone to bed yet, I was still having a drink with the lads. Then we simply continued to drink beers.

At Wembley on Saturday, at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on November 1 and at AMT Headingley on November 8, Australia takes on England. All three games will be broadcast live on BBC One at 14:30.

After a planned tour in 2020 was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the series has been on hold for a while.

Lewis is delighted to fix the Ashes because it means no one in his generation has ever visited them.

He claimed that he was three when the final Ashes series aired. It represents “international rugby’s pinnacle.” It is a privilege for our playing group. We don’t take it for granted. We want to be a proud Englishman.

The Australian camp shares that view as they attempt to carry on a remarkable spell of dominance on British soil.

Since 1959, the Australians have not lost a game in England or the Ashes.

Nathan Cleary, the Ashes half-back, told BBC Sport, “It’s huge.” The direction is favorable for the international game.

“It’s very fortunate to be a part of this series. Although I was very young in 2003, many games-related clips have been broadcast in Australia. You feel very fortunate to be able to watch that and hear tales.

There will be some early morning games for people to watch the games because they are very excited back home.

Contrary to opposite number Lewis, Cleary has had a subpar domestic campaign.

For the first time in five years, Cleary’s Penrith Panthers were unable to capture the National Rugby League title and the Grand Final. In the State of Origin series from July, he also lost to New South Wales.

As Australia strive to maintain their position as world champions, number one ranked international side, and clear winners in this series, the 27-year-old is determined that disappointment will not continue to surface on the international stage.

Being able to represent Australia on a historic stage is something I can’t wait to be a part of, he said, “It’s a great way to end the season.” We didn’t come in the way we wanted to at Penrith, but it wasn’t.

In contrast, England’s squad has more than ever before received NRL experience, with six of their members representing international clubs.

Kai Pearce-Paul, a back rower for the Newcastle Knights, claims that his international team-mates will benefit greatly from his experience in the NRL.

He told BBC Sport, “I’ve loved my time in Australia. I feel at home because I’m from a small town with a lot of rugby in Newcastle. I can’t help but be happy when I wake up and head to the beach in the morning.