The 23-year-old has been a revelation in Rovers’ continued rise to prominence this season.
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters is filled with confidence as star half-back Mikey Lewis prepares to take the field in the Betfred Super League play-off semi-final against Warrington at Craven Park on Friday. The 23-year-old has emerged as a pivotal player for the team this season, playing a crucial role in their bid to break a 39-year major trophy drought.
Lewis’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable; he earned accolades for his Man of the Match performance during his England debut against Tonga last year. His impressive form has positioned him as a frontrunner for the prestigious Man of Steel award, with the shortlist set to be announced this Wednesday. As Hull KR stands on the brink of their first Grand Final appearance since 1985, Peters is untroubled by the mounting pressure that accompanies Lewis's burgeoning reputation.
“It’s what makes the best players the best players – how they cope with the pressure, with individual awards, and with people telling them how good they are,” Peters remarked. He praised Lewis’s focus and commitment to the game, asserting that he has not shown any signs of becoming complacent despite the accolades. “I just see a player who loves to prepare to play a game on Friday night, who is passionate about his club and his teammates,” Peters added. “If he shows that on Friday, then that’s all he can do.”
The significance of Lewis's contributions cannot be understated, but he is not the sole standout in what has been Hull KR’s most successful campaign in decades. Captain Elliot Minchella, although suspended for Friday's match, has made the end-of-season Dream Team, showcasing the depth of talent in the squad. Other key players like Peta Hiku, Sauaso Sue, and Jai Whitbread have also made significant contributions, even if they missed out on individual accolades.
As the season draws to a close, Peters acknowledges that the spotlight will naturally shine brighter on the star players. He understands that it is in the big games where these key figures must step up, much like Leigh’s Edwin Ipape and Warrington’s George Williams have done in their respective playoff matches.
Peters noted, “For most of the season, if you’re switched on as a pack, you can usually dominate that middle third of the field. But there’s no doubt that in the big games, it’s your spine players, your key players, who step up.” As such, he is counting on Lewis, along with fellow spine players Tyrone May and Niall Evalds, to lead the charge against Warrington.
In addition to Lewis’s accolades, Peters himself has been named on a four-strong shortlist for the 2024 Betfred Super League Coach of the Year award, alongside Wigan's Matt Peet, Salford's Paul Rowley, and Mike Eccles of London Broncos. This recognition reflects his successful leadership and the team’s overall performance, making the stakes even higher as Hull KR aims for a historic playoff run.
