LEWIS WOULD WELCOME RETURN TO MERSEYSIDE

MIKEY LEWIS believes rugby league has found a new home in Hill Dickinson Stadium, describing the atmosphere as "incredible" during the second Ashes Test.

- BY JOSH McALLISTER

It was the first non-football event at Everton's stadium, which opened its doors in February - initially to 10,000 supporters for an under-18s match against Wigan Athletic, before hosting its first Premier League fixture in August.

A sellout crowd of 52,106 packed the waterfront stadium for rugby league's international match between England and Australia, creating a buzzing atmosphere at a facility that cost £800million.

On the field, the Kangaroos sealed an Ashes victory with a 14-4 victory, adding to their 26-6 opening Wembley win the week prior.

For Lewis - who led Hull KR to a treble this year - the experience highlighted the potential for rugby league to return to the home of the Toffees.

"The atmosphere was incredible," said the playmaker, who featured from the interchange bench.