Nobody was more aware of how divisive the selection of Mikey Lewis for England's squad at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup was than the man himself.
The 25-year-old was picked by coach Brian McDermott as one of three half-back options alongside Harry Smith and captain George Williams, despite a Super League season pockmarked by inconsistency and disciplinary issues.
Lewis' selection ahead of 2025 Man Of Steel Jake Connor added fuel to the fire; the fact the Hull KR man was then left out of the squad for England's opening defeat to Tonga only added to the feeling of Lewis being more trouble than he was worth.
But Lewis, speaking to the media on Wednesday from the England team hotel in Wollongong, said that despite his up and down season he never doubted that he had earned his place.
"The way my year went wouldn't be the best, I don't need anyone else to tell me," he said. "I just had to put myself in the shop window. I have earned my spot."
And after all the talk, Lewis has the chance to be the man who helps save England's floundering World Cup hopes.
The 30-12 loss to Tonga has England firmly on the back foot, but they gave themselves a chance last weekend with a crushing 82-0 win over France .
Lewis, named among the interchanges this time, came on for the final 20 minutes and scored two tries to boost England's points difference – and thus their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
To qualify, England must beat Papua New Guinea on Friday, hope Tonga defeat Samoa on Sunday, and make up a 68-point deficit on the Samoans.
So, piling up the tries is the name of the game for England in what might be their final match in Australia this year – and Lewis, again off the bench, will aim to be the man to provide that flourish.
"I will always represent my country to the best of my ability," Lewis said of his two-try cameo in Perth. "I was told to run with the ball, and I wanted to play with a smile on my face.
"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."
Lewis took selfies with fans in Perth following England's Group B-C win over France [Getty Images]
Not even Lewis' biggest detractors will deny he had the speed, skill and power to deliver what England need. His temperament is the question.
In 2026, Lewis scored 17 tries and provided 14 assists in 20 Super League matches. However, he also received four yellow cards – the most of any player in the division.
He started the season on the wrong foot with a deliberate trip of an opponent in Hull KR's shock loss to newly-promoted York Knights. Lewis avoided suspension, but the tone was set.
Then in July came the moment he fell from favour for many England supporters. Lewis was served with a four-game ban for a late tackle and a headbutt in a defeat against Warrington Wolves.
Lewis was sin-binned for the tackle during the match, but he then headbutted a Warrington player in an incident that was initially missed by match officials.
It was expected these aberrations would cost Lewis a World Cup place, but McDermott kept faith – now is the time to reward that.
Lewis has been contrite about his disciplinary problems, admitting his teammates were the ones to suffer, and he is seeking external help to deal with his on-field temperament.
Part of his contrition comes from the undoubtable passion and pride Lewis has about representing his country.
That was clear after his debut in October 2023 against Tonga at St Helens. Lewis was named man of the match after a game-winning display, scoring a try and providing an assist in a 22-18 triumph. His emotional post-match interview showed how much playing and delivering for England meant to him.
That will be on display in Wollongong on Friday, whatever the result means for England's progression or role Lewis has in it.
"Last week the hard work was done, my job was to go and cause havoc - that was my instruction, and I did that," he said
"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."
