Hull KR 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 simply reacting to the player's recent disciplinary issues. Lewis had just received a two‑match suspension after being charged with Grade C dangerous contact for striking Warrington Wolves' Ewan Irwin with his studs during the rearranged round‑two fixture. The incident left Irwin with a potentially serious ankle injury, prompting scans and raising concerns for Sam Burgess' side.
The suspension arrived at a particularly sensitive moment for the 25‑year‑old, who had only recently returned from a four‑match ban for head‑butting an opponent in a previous encounter with Warrington. Peters, however, made it clear that the upcoming ban would not be enforced until Round 25, meaning both Lewis and teammate Tevita Pangai Jr. were technically eligible to play against Toulouse.
Pangai Jr., who faced three citations for late contact with a passer, was also awaiting a four‑match ban that could jeopardise his future at the club after signing mid‑season. Despite the players being available on paper, Peters opted to exclude them from the match‑day squad. He argued that maintaining a clear, consistent line on what behaviour the club will tolerate is essential, regardless of a player's stature or past contributions.
"We have to uphold standards now and for the future," Peters said. "There has to be a clear boundary about what we will accept, no matter who you are." Peters highlighted that Hull KR currently leads the league in disciplinary points, a statistic that reflects a pattern of infractions and sideline suspensions. He warned that without consequences, undesirable actions tend to repeat themselves.
"Some players have done things without consequence, and if you don't have consequence, then you keep repeating those actions," he explained. "It's not about malice or intent in every case, but repeated behaviour demands a response." By sitting Lewis and Pangai Jr.
out, Peters hoped to send a strong message to the squad: personal conduct directly impacts team performance, and the club will not allow repeated lapses to undermine its objectives. He stressed that the decision was not a punitive measure aimed at the individuals alone, but a broader effort to reinforce a culture of accountability that will benefit the team in the long run. "If we are not upholding our standards, regardless of who you are, there must be consequences," he concluded.
While acknowledging that the team performs better with Lewis on the field, Peters emphasized that the player's presence must align with the club's expectations. "We are a stronger side with Mikey Lewis in the lineup, and we have proven that over the years," he said. "In his first game back, he made several positive contributions, especially in defense, and his impact was evident." Nevertheless, Peters admitted that Lewis still has areas to improve and that the coaching staff is actively working with him to refine those aspects.
He noted that open communication within the squad is ongoing and that the club remains supportive of Lewis's development. "He knows what he needs to work on, and we are having those conversations," Peters said.
"He will serve a few weeks on the sidelines, and we will monitor his progress. When he aligns with our standards, we are a better team." The decision to bench both players also reflects a strategic perspective on squad depth and discipline management as the season approaches its climax. With the regular season winding down, Hull KR must balance the immediate desire for wins with the longer‑term goal of fostering a disciplined, resilient unit capable of competing at the highest level. Fans can still follow the Super League action through Sky Sports, which broadcasts every match live this season.
Two games each round are shown exclusively on the main channel, while the remaining fixtures are available on Sky Sports+. The club also encourages supporters to purchase tickets for upcoming games and stay updated with the latest league table and podcast discussions featuring analysts Jenna and Jon. In summary, Willie Peters' decision to omit Mikey Lewis and Tevita Pangai Jr.
from the squad underscores a firm stance on discipline and club culture. By prioritising standards over short‑term tactical gains, the Hull KR management aims to set a precedent that will shape the team's identity and performance well beyond the current campaign.