Friday is a big one for Hull KR and Mikey Lewis, and the 24-year-old, fresh after his 150th club appearance, is ready to go.
Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis celebrates a try with Peta Hiku.(Image: SW PIX)
Mikey Lewis will use Hull KR’s Las Vegas hurt as firm motivation when they take on Leeds Rhinos at Headingley on Friday night.
The Robins, sitting third in Super League with ten victories from their 14 games so far, will meet the Rhinos for the first time since their 50-6 humiliation at Allegiant Stadium.
And while Willie Peters’ side have hit their straps once again since their trip stateside, for Lewis, it’s one that still stings.
“We need to go to Headingley and put in an 80-minute performance,” Lewis, speaking after Friday night’s win over Leigh Leopards, said. “They’re in red-hot form and especially after that embarrassment from Vegas, I’m still feeling that, and I don’t want to feel like that again.
“They’re a fantastic outfit and credit to them. They’ve been playing well. We’ve got to turn up fully focused and again be ready to have that 80-minute performance and hopefully go there and get the two points.”
As for Friday, Rovers got the job done, defeating Leigh 22-8 after tries from Joe Burgess, Peta Hiku, Jai Whitbread, and Bill Leyland. For Lewis, there’s still improvement to go at, but in terms of defending ‘the Hull KR way’, it was much more like it.
“It was a bit scrappy, and as a spine, we need to own that,” he said. “We just need to be direct and get the message out there to get through our sets. It’s one of them; it’s nothing major, but we’ll have a look at what we need to improve for next week.
“I’m immensely proud of the lads. We’re getting back to a Hull KR level of performance, defence-based, and having the effort and the desire to keep turning up for each other.
“I feel like we did that here. Our attack can get better, but we’re a defence-focused team first, so to keep a side like Leigh down to eight points and to get the points and keep the momentum going into next week is very pleasing.”
The game was also a milestone one for Lewis, who played his 150th Hull KR appearance. The 24-year-old has scored 93 tries and 136 goals in that time, which he stated has flown by since his first-grade debut at Wigan Warriors back in 2019.
“I was speaking to my girlfriend at how fast it’s gone,” Lewis said. “But everything the club has done for me and my family, we can’t thank them enough, especially last year, winning all three trophies.
“That was the best time of my life and my family’s life. This club has put the trust and faith in me and I’m very proud to represent this badge.
“Every time I put this shirt on, I’m not just playing for myself; I’m playing for the whole club and my family. To hit 150 games is a little achievement and hopefully there’s another 150 to go.”
Into his eighth season at Hull KR, Lewis is only two years off a club testimonial. He joked: “I think Jez will be before me; I’ll probably have to fight him for it.
“But I don’t see myself anywhere else. This club is like a home to me. I love coming into training every day and being a part of it with the lads.
“It’s what I’ve dreamt of and I want to keep living that dream and having those memories. Like Phil Lowe said, memories are better than dreams; I’m living them, and hopefully there’s many more to come.”
And on England, with Lewis keeping hold of his spot in Brian McDermott’s 38-man train-on squad ahead of this autumn’s World Cup, the half-back added: “It’s always an honour, but I know I’ve still got to work hard on my game.
“Nothing has been chosen yet and I’ve got to keep that momentum and keep that consistency to keep building to get that phone call at the end of the year. What will be, will be. I’ve just got to keep my head down, feet on the ground, and see where it takes me.”