JUST under two weeks ago, Mikey Lewis and Willie Peters conquered Super League together. On Saturday, though, they will be on opposing sides.
The Hull KR halfback is set to come up against his head coach when England face Australia in the Ashes opener at Wembley, with Lewis on the field and Peters in the stands assisting Kangaroos boss Kevin Walters.
The pair have shared many special moments together over the past three seasons in East Hull, not least of all the 24-6 win over Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford which clinched a historic treble for the Robins.
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👇 Shaun Wane has named his 19-player squad for Saturday's @ABKbeer Ashes Opener at Wembley!
🏴 #EnglandRL pic.twitter.com/plb1SLLrCc
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 23, 2025
Since then, however, they have not said a word to each other as part of their respective preparations for the resumption of one of rugby league’s fiercest rivalries.
“It’s been radio silence, we haven’t spoken,” Lewis told BBC Radio Humberside.
Peters may have been the guiding hand as Lewis emerged as one of the stars of the Betfred Super League during Hull KR’s recent rise, but the 2024 Man of Steel’s international coach has proven a big influence too.
Shaun Wane gave the 24-year-old his international bow in the 2023 home series against Tonga, followed by Lewis featuring in last year’s 40-8 win away to France and the first two matches of the series against Samoa.
JUST IN: Kevin Walters has named the team to take on England in the opening Test of the 2025 Ashes series at Wembley Stadium this Saturday, October 25 🦘
A big congratulations to our four debutants (Walsh, Nawaqanitawase, Shibasaki & Koloamatangi) 👏 pic.twitter.com/3yYq1hobAE
— Australian Kangaroos (@Kangaroos) October 21, 2025
What role Wane has in mind for him against Australia remains to be seen, having stared at standoff in his first two international appearances against Tonga followed by playing off the interchange bench in his three internationals last year.
But he comes into the first Ashes series for 22 years on the back of a grand final performance which saw him score a try and claim the Rob Burrow Award for player of the match, and praised Wane for his frank advice on how to improve his game.
“I’ve had honest chats with Shaun for the last two or three years about my game and things I needed to work on, and I feel like I’ve done that year by year,” Lewis said.
“The grand final was probably the best performance of my career, not just because I scored a try but because I felt confident in everything I did and had the right mindset.
😤 It means everything to our head coach, Shaun Wane!
👀 Will you be there to support the team on Saturday?
🏴 #EnglandRL pic.twitter.com/HPBesfsTox
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 23, 2025
“Going forward, I’ve got to have that every game whether I’m playing a Super League team or representing my country, and having that mindset I’m going to get it and take it by the scruff of the neck.
“We’re going to be facing the best in the world in this Australian team and I’ve got to do that performance again for the next three weeks.”
England’s opening match of the three-Test series against Australia at Wembley will bring back memories of Great Britain’s triumphs over their old rivals at the national stadium in 1990 and 1994 for rugby league fans of a certain generation.
For Lewis and Hull KR team-mare Jez Litten, though, it is a return to the venue where they helped the Robins lift the Challenge Cup for the first time in 45 years back in June after being named in England’s 19-man squad for Saturday.
“I’ve got so many happy memories,” Lewis said, recalling the 8-6 victory over Warrington Wolves in which he kicked the game-clinching conversion.
“Seeing those crowds celebrating, kicking that goal, lifting the trophy.
“I can’t wait. Hopefully I get to run out here again and do it proud again.”
England vs Australia rugby league Ashes fixtures (all 2.30pm UK time)
October 25 – First Test, Wembley Stadium (London)
November 1 – Second Test, Hill Dickinson Stadium (Liverpool)
November 8 – Third Test, AMT Headingley (Leeds)