Lewis and Litten worthy Knights
joe.appleyard@reachplc.com @Appleyardjoseph
JEZ Litten and Mikey Lewis are two of the brightest prospects in the British game.
The Hull KR stars were rewarded earlier in the year when they earned a spot in Paul Anderson’s England Knights performance squad and have spoken about their call-ups for the first time.
Players from nine Super League clubs are represented, with eight of them included in the Knights set-up for the first time.
The city of Hull has four representatives as FC duo Jack Brown and Jordan Lane also join Litten and Lewis in the squad.
Lewis, who made his England debut in October 2021 when the rampant Knights overcame Jamaica 56-4 in Jordan Turner’s Testimonial Fixture at Castleford’s Mend-ahose Jungle, and Lewis spoke fondly of that proud day.
“To play against Jamaica was a huge shock for my family and me,” said Lewis. “But to be in camp with a different set of lads was an outstanding experience for my development.
“It was a proud day for us all, and I’ll cherish that moment forever. It’s excellent to be a part of Paul Anderson’s squad again, and I’ll keep trying to improve each week.”
Lewis was also delighted to see team-mate Litten earn a call-up, with the mercurial halfback pointing out the hooker’s key strengths and what makes him stand out.
“Jez is fantastic. Since he joined us from FC, he’s improving each year. He’s one of those players who, when he has the ball, you have to support him,” he said.
“One thing that really impresses me about Jez is his off the ball work. Whether that’s his defence or speeding up the ruck, he has it all. He totally deserves this callup, and I hope we can walk out in an England shirt together.”
Litten also spoke this week about his England future, but was quick to point out that tomorrow’s clash against St Helens will be one of the games which separate the men from the boys, and he and Lewis must step up against a Saints side who have an abundance of players in both the Knights squad and the first-team set-up.
“This weekend will be interesting for sure,” said Litten.
“Saints have some quality young lads, but so do we. I think Sunday’s game is one where all eyes will be on us to perform. If I want to represent my country, I must stand up and take the opportunity.” The former FC man was delighted to earn a chance to represent his country and believes it would be the highlight of his career so far if he gets a chance to wear the famous shirt.
“It was a real boost to get the call-up,” Litten continued. “It’s an honour to represent your country. It is the best thing you can do as a player. I aim now to carry on my form with Rovers and put my best foot forward to impress.
“To play for England is a massive goal of mine, I managed to play for the academy in Australia, but this would be a different level. I’d love to add a Knights cap at the end of the year. We have a meeting a few weeks back in Manchester, and the boys are spot on.”
Discussions around the Knights fixtures ahead of the Rugby
League World Cup are underway, and the Rovers pair will be ready to take their chance if called upon.