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'Fighting chance': England won't give up on World Cup
Press Association • October 29th, 2026 8:32 am
Mikey Lewis in full flow during England's hammering of France at the Rugby League World Cup | Photo: Richard Wainwright/AAP
Mikey Lewis is convinced England still have a "fighting chance" of reaching the semi-finals of the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals.
England must beat Papua New Guinea in their final pool match on Friday to have any hope of progressing in the tournament, but even then, they'll need Tonga to beat a strong Samoa side on Sunday with the results producing a swing of at least 68 points in England's favour.
It is the tallest of orders but the Hull KR half-back Lewis, Super League's Man of Steel in their treble-winning season but having come off a disappointing 2026 campaign, insists the squad are fully focused on doing all they can.
"It's going to be a really tough game but we've got the strike power and the desire and commitment between each other to get this job done," said Lewis, who will again start on the bench in the game in Wollongong.
"We're in with a fighting chance, we believe that. We feel it in these four walls.
"We believe that we can go and achieve anything we want and we've just got to put the hard work in, like we did last week, and see where it takes us.
"We find ourselves in a really unique position and we're just going to enjoy it, enjoy the challenge and just see where we go."
Lewis, having been left out for the opening defeat by Tonga, scored two tries in an eye-catching 21-minute cameo in last weekend's 82-0 demolition of France.
England need to win and rack up the tries against Papua New Guinea | Photo: Richard Wainwright/AAP
After a difficult season with Rovers, when the form of both team and player fell away after a stellar 2025, it is a role the 25-year-old is happy to play.
He said: "I'm completely fine with it. It's part and parcel of being involved with a really good squad.
"Last week the hard work was done. My job was just to go run the ball and cause havoc. That was my instructions and I felt like I did that.
"Obviously, the way my year went wouldn't be the best. I know that. I don't need anyone else to tell me how I went this year.
"Luckily I got the call to come and here I am, loving it. I'll play anywhere as long as I represent my country, and I'll do that to the best of my ability."
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