Hull KR’s head coach, Willie Peters, explained that his choice to leave Mikey Lewis out of the squad for Saturday’s clash with Toulouse was driven by a commitment to the club’s standards rather than merely a tactical decision. Lewis had recently received a two‑match suspension after being charged with a Grade C offence for dangerous contact during the rearranged Round 2 game against Warrington Wolves. In that incident, Lewis’s studs struck the ankle of Warrington’s Ewan Irwin as Irwin was kicking the ball, leaving Irwin with a potential injury that required scans.
The suspension arrived just as the 25‑year‑old was returning from an earlier four‑match ban for a head‑butting incident in a previous encounter with Warrington. Peters made it clear that, despite the disciplinary process already being concluded, the bans would not take effect until Round 25.
Consequently, both Lewis and teammate Tevita Pangai Jr – who is also facing a four‑match suspension after being cited three times for late contact with a passer – were technically eligible to play against Toulouse. However, the coach opted to omit them, emphasizing that the decision was about “upholding standards” for the present and the future, and about drawing a firm line on what behaviour the club will tolerate, regardless of a player’s status. The coach’s remarks were part of a broader discussion about Hull KR’s disciplinary record. Peters noted that the club currently leads the competition in disciplinary points, with more players having been sent to the sideline for infractions than any other side.
He argued that when actions go without consequence, they become repeatable, eroding team discipline and harming teammates. "Some players have done things without consequence and if you don't have consequence, then you keep repeating those actions," he said. "We decided that it is not acceptable to sit on the sidelines and cost the team through behaviour that does not meet our standards." Peters stressed that the decision was not about personal vendettas or targeting star players, but about establishing a culture of accountability. He pointed out that even when an incident is not deliberate or lacks malice, repeated offences demand a response.
"When there are repeated efforts, we have made a decision not to play those two this week. It is about our standards, what we will accept and what we will not accept," he explained.
The coach believes that enforcing these standards now will benefit the club not only this season but also in the long term, creating a clear expectation that every player, no matter how prominent, must adhere to the same code of conduct. While acknowledging the short‑term impact of missing two key players, Peters affirmed that Hull KR performs better when Lewis is on the field and aligned with the club’s expectations.
"We are a better team, obviously, with Mikey Lewis in it and we have shown that over the years," he said. He praised Lewis’s defensive contributions in his recent return, noting that the young half‑back had a strong impact despite it being his first game back after the previous suspension. However, Peters also highlighted areas where Lewis needs to improve, indicating that the coaching staff has ongoing conversations about his development.
"He is aware of the things he needs to work on, and we are supportive of Mikey. He will sit a few weeks on the sidelines, and we will see where it goes," Peters added.
"When he is in line with the standards everyone wants to uphold, we are a stronger team." The coach’s stance reflects a broader trend in professional rugby league, where clubs are increasingly prioritising discipline and culture alongside on‑field performance. By taking a firm line on infractions, Hull KR aims to set a precedent that could reduce the frequency of dangerous play, protect player welfare, and ultimately improve the quality of the competition.
The decision also sends a message to the wider squad that personal conduct will be monitored closely and that any breach, regardless of a player’s reputation, will be met with appropriate consequences. Looking ahead, the earliest Lewis can return to action is the final round of the regular season, assuming he serves his suspension without further incident. The club hopes that the enforced break will give him time to reflect, refine his technique, and return with a heightened awareness of the standards expected of him.
Meanwhile, the team will continue to rely on its depth, rotating other players into the backline to fill the void left by Lewis and Pangai Jr. Hull KR’s approach also aligns with the Super League’s ongoing efforts to improve player safety and reduce dangerous contact. The league has introduced stricter penalties for high‑risk tackles and dangerous play, aiming to deter repeat offenders and encourage safer techniques. By proactively enforcing its own standards, Hull KR contributes to this wider initiative, demonstrating that clubs can play a pivotal role in shaping a safer, more disciplined competition.
Fans can still follow the action through Sky Sports, which broadcasts every Super League match live this season, with two matches each round shown exclusively on the main channel and the remaining five available on Sky Sports+. The club’s supporters are encouraged to keep an eye on the upcoming fixtures, as the team strives to finish the season strongly despite the disciplinary setbacks.