Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has explained that his choice to leave Mikey Lewis out of the squad for Saturday's clash with Toulouse was driven by a desire to maintain the club's disciplinary standards, rather than simply reacting to the player's pending suspension. Lewis received a two‑match ban after being charged with a Grade C offence for dangerous contact during the rearranged Round Two match against Warrington Wolves on Tuesday.
The incident involved Lewis's studs striking the ankle of Warrington's Ewan Irwin as Irwin was kicking the ball, an injury that now has Irwin undergoing scans and potentially missing further action for Sam Burgess's side. The timing of the sanction is noteworthy because the 25‑year‑old had just completed a four‑match suspension for a head‑butt in the previous encounter between the two clubs. While the disciplinary panel has already ruled on the bans, they will not take effect until Round 25, meaning both Lewis and teammate Tevita Pangai Jr. were technically eligible for selection against Toulouse.
Pangai Jr. faces a four‑match ban after being cited three times for late contact with a passer, a penalty that could jeopardise his future with the Robins after his mid‑season signing.
Despite their eligibility, Peters opted to omit both players, emphasizing that the decision was about "upholding standards" now and for the future, and about drawing a clear line on what behaviour the club will tolerate, regardless of a player's status or reputation. He stressed that the club must set a precedent that misconduct will be met with consequences, otherwise undesirable actions will continue unchecked.
"We are the most charged team in the competition in terms of disciplinary points," Peters noted, adding that Hull KR have accumulated more points and more players on the bench than any other side. Peters explained that allowing repeat offences without repercussions sends the wrong message. "Some players have done things without consequence and if you don't have consequence, then you keep repeating those actions," he said.
"We decided it was unacceptable for players to be sitting on the sideline and costing teammates through behaviour that does not align with our standards." He acknowledged that not all incidents are deliberate or malicious, but when a pattern emerges, the club must act. "When there are repeated efforts, we have made a decision not to play those two this week. It's more about our standards, what we will accept and what we will not accept," Peters added.
He believes that this firm stance will benefit the team this season and, more importantly, will establish a lasting culture of accountability within the club. "If we're not upholding those standards, no matter who you are, there needs to be consequence, and that's what we've chosen to do." While reinforcing the need for discipline, Peters also admitted that Hull KR perform better when Lewis is on the field, provided he adheres to the club's expectations. "We are a better team, obviously, with Mikey Lewis in it and we've shown that over the years," he said.
He praised Lewis's impact in his first game back, noting his strong defensive contributions and the positive actions he displayed throughout most of the match. Nevertheless, Peters highlighted areas where Lewis still needs improvement.
"There are certain things he needs to work on and he's aware of that," the coach said, emphasizing that internal conversations are ongoing and that the coaching staff remains supportive of Lewis's development. He expects the young half‑back to spend a few weeks on the sidelines, using the time to reflect and refine his game, before rejoining the squad when he can meet the club's behavioural benchmarks.
The broader context of the decision reflects Hull KR's ongoing struggle with discipline. The team has frequently found itself with players suspended or sidelined due to on‑field infractions, which has impacted squad depth and consistency. By taking a proactive approach now, Peters hopes to curb the trend and foster a culture where players understand that talent alone is insufficient; adherence to team values and conduct standards is equally vital.
In addition to the disciplinary narrative, the article notes that Sky Sports will broadcast every Super League match live this season, with two games each round shown exclusively on the main channel and the remaining fixtures available via Sky Sports+. This ensures that fans can follow the league closely, including the ongoing developments at Hull KR as they navigate the latter stages of the campaign. Overall, the coach's message is clear: while individual brilliance, such as that offered by Mikey Lewis, can lift the team's performance, it must be paired with consistent, disciplined behaviour. The decision to sit Lewis and Pangai Jr.
serves as a reminder that the club prioritises long‑term cultural standards over short‑term gains, aiming to build a foundation of respect and responsibility that will benefit Hull KR both now and in the seasons to come.