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 need to maintain the club’s standards, rather than merely serving a suspension. Lewis had already received a two‑match ban after being charged with a Grade C offence for dangerous contact during the rearranged Round 2 match 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 an injury that now requires scans and could keep him out of future fixtures for Sam Burgess’s side. The suspension arrives at a particularly sensitive time for the 25‑year‑old, who had just completed a four‑match ban for a head‑butt earlier in the season when the Robins last faced Warrington.
While the disciplinary panel has already handed down the penalties, the bans are set to take effect in Round 25, meaning both Lewis and fellow teammate Tevita Pangai Jr were technically eligible for selection against Toulouse. Pangai Jr, who was cited three times for late contact with a passer, also faces a four‑match ban that could jeopardise his future with the club after his mid‑season signing. Peters, however, opted to leave both players out of the match‑day squad, stating that the decision was about “upholding standards” now and for the future, and about drawing a clear line regarding what behaviour the club will tolerate, regardless of a player’s status or reputation.
He stressed that the club must enforce consequences consistently; otherwise, undesirable actions are likely to be repeated. "We are the most charged team in the competition in terms of disciplinary points," Peters noted, pointing out that Hull KR has accumulated more points and had more players sidelined for disciplinary reasons than any other side. He argued that without consequences, players will continue to repeat infractions.
"Some players have done things without consequence and if you don’t have consequence, then you keep repeating those actions," he said. "It’s not about who you are – it’s about what we accept as a club." Peters believes that this firm stance will benefit the team not only this season but also in the long term, establishing a culture where standards are respected and breaches are met with appropriate sanctions. He warned that even when a breach is unintentional or lacks malice, repeated offences will still be dealt with firmly. "There are times when it’s not deliberate, but when there are repeated efforts we’ve decided not to play those two this week," he explained.
"It’s more about our standards, what we’re going to accept or what we’re not going to accept." He added that the approach should ultimately improve the squad’s discipline and performance. "I believe it will help us this year, but more importantly it will help the club going forward," Peters said. "If we’re not upholding those standards, regardless of who you are, there needs to be consequence and that’s what we’ve chosen to do." While the coach made it clear that he expects his players to accept the repercussions of their actions, he also acknowledged that Hull KR is a stronger side 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," Peters affirmed.
He praised Lewis’s impact in his first game back, noting his defensive contributions and the positive influence he had during the match. However, Peters also highlighted areas where Lewis needs to improve.
"There are certain things he needs to work on and he’s aware of that. We keep conversations between us, we’re supportive of Mikey and we want to help him develop in those aspects of his game," the coach said. He admitted that Lewis will have to sit out for a few weeks, but reiterated that the team’s overall quality is enhanced when Lewis is playing in line with the club’s standards. The broader context of the decision reflects a growing concern across the Super League about player discipline.
Hull KR’s disciplinary record has placed them at the top of the league’s charge list, prompting the coaching staff to take a proactive stance. By enforcing a strict code of conduct, Peters hopes to set an example for younger players and reinforce a culture of accountability throughout the organization. The upcoming match against Toulouse will therefore proceed without Lewis and Pangai Jr, giving other squad members a chance to step up.
The decision also serves as a reminder to the rest of the league that even high‑profile players will face consequences if they breach the rules. As the season approaches its final rounds, the Hull KR leadership believes that maintaining a disciplined, standards‑driven environment will be crucial for any chance of a strong finish and future success. Fans can continue to follow the Super League action through Sky Sports, which will broadcast every game live this season, with two matches each round shown exclusively on the main channel and the remaining fixtures available on Sky Sports+. The club’s supporters are encouraged to stay engaged, purchase tickets for upcoming fixtures, and keep an eye on the latest league table as the competition heads toward its climax.