Cayless is keen to get to work with Lewis
New Hull KR boss Nathan Cayless has spoken to the press for the first time(Image: Hull KR)
New Hull KR boss Nathan Cayless is keen to spend the time needed to get to know Mikey Lewis before addressing anything to do with his game.
Lewis endured a difficult 2026 Super League season in a Rovers shirt with ill-discipline and low confidence seeing his form take a dip on the field of play.
The stand-off still did enough to claim a spot in Brian McDermott’s World Cup squad, but he struggled to make the desired impact over the second half of the season in particular and he was even dropped by Willie Peters at one point due to his persistent disciplinary issues.
Lewis isn’t expected to return to Craven Park for the start of pre-season for a number of weeks yet given his involvement in the World Cup.
However, before the new head coach comes to improving his game, he needs to build up an understanding of Lewis as a man.
“The most important thing for me at the moment is to really get to know Mikey as a person, build a strong relationship with him, build some trust and then we’ll start to talk about footy,” Cayless said.
“That’s the main priority for me. Mikey’s an excellent young player. He’s proven that. He’s been a Man of Steel there, and he’s done everything in the game.
“It’s about understanding who Mikey is as a person before we talk about footy. So that’ll be the main priority for me is building that.”
Asked how he felt Lewis and Jez Litten did down under this autumn at the World Cup, Cayless added: “I think they’ve done great. I think Mikey’s been outstanding when he’s been on the field, and he’s made a big difference when he’s gone on.
“Mikey’s taken his opportunities, that’s for sure, when he’s come off the bench. I think against Papua New Guinea he played hooker.
“He’s a tough kid. He didn’t shy away from any contact or anything, and that’s what you love about him. When you’re watching play, he’s a competitor, he wants to win, and really looking forward to working with him, Jez, and the rest of the squad as well.”