Hull KR Coach Willie Peters Explains Decision to Drop Mikey Lewis Ahead of Two-Match Ban

Hull KR's head coach, Willie Peters, has shed light on his decision to exclude Mikey Lewis from the squad for the upcoming match against Toulouse, even before his two-game suspension takes effect. Peters stated that the move is primarily about reinforcing and upholding the club's established standards.

Lewis received a two-match ban following a Grade C charge for "dangerous contact" during a recent fixture against Warrington Wolves. The incident involved Lewis's studs making contact with the ankle of Ewan Irwin as Irwin was kicking the ball. Irwin is currently undergoing scans, and his availability for Sam Burgess's side is uncertain.

This suspension follows a previous four-match ban that Lewis incurred for a headbutt during Hull KR's earlier encounter with Warrington.

Tevita Pangai Jr is also facing a potential four-match ban due to multiple citations for "late contact with a passer" during the same match. This situation could potentially bring his mid-season transfer to the Robins to an early close.

Although the disciplinary review for both players has concluded, their bans are set to commence from Round 25. This meant they were technically eligible for the match against Toulouse. However, Peters chose not to include either player, citing the necessity to "uphold standards" not just for the current season but for the long-term future of the club. He emphasized the importance of establishing clear boundaries on acceptable behavior, irrespective of the individual player.

Consequently, the earliest Lewis can return to the field is the final round of the regular season.

"It's noted that we're the most charged team in the competition in terms of disciplinary points," Peters remarked. "We've accumulated the most penalty points of any team and have had the most players sidelined. Some players have acted without facing consequences, and without such consequences, these actions tend to repeat."

"Therefore, it's time we made a decision that it's not acceptable to be sitting on the sidelines and negatively impacting teammates through behavior that doesn't align with our standards. There are times when actions aren't deliberate or malicious, but when there are repeated offenses, we've decided not to play these two this week. As I've said, it's more about our standards, what we will accept and what we won't accept."

"I believe this will help us, hopefully this year, but more importantly, it will benefit the club moving forward by establishing a standard we aim to uphold. If we're not upholding that standard, regardless of who you are, there must be a consequence, and that's what we've chosen to do."

Peters acknowledged that while he needs his players to take responsibility for their actions, Hull KR is undeniably a stronger team with Lewis in the lineup, particularly when he plays within the team's expected parameters.

"We are a better team with Mikey Lewis in it, and we've demonstrated that over the years," Peters stated. "Mikey, for the majority of the game, I thought he made a lot of positive contributions. It was his first game back, and I thought he had a strong impact, particularly in his defense."

"However, there are certain areas he needs to improve, and he's aware of that. We maintain ongoing conversations, and we are certainly supportive of Mikey. We want to help him improve in specific aspects of his game that require it, and he's aware of this."

"He will obviously have to sit out a few weeks, and we'll see how things progress. But as I've said, we are a better team with Mikey Lewis, especially when he aligns with the standards everyone strives to uphold."