England star Mikey Lewis signs new five-year deal with Hull KR

England international Mikey Lewis has signed a bumper new five-year contract with Hull KR in a deal that will keep him at Sewell Group Craven Park until the end of 2028.

The year 2023 is one Lewis won’t forget after helping his beloved Robins to the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley and a fourth place finish in Super League – leading to his call-up to Shaun Wane’s England squad for the end-of-season series against Tonga.

Lewis scored a try and was named Man of the Match on his England debut in the first test victory over Tonga, before starting again in the second test as England secured the series win in Huddersfield.

A product of City of Hull Academy, Lewis made his Rovers debut in 2019 at just 18 and has been a regular in the first-team since, thriving this season as he posted 13 tries and 19 try assists in 31 appearances in all competitions.

Still only 22, the playmaker has enjoyed a dream season and has now topped it off with a long-term contract at his hometown club, something that will certainly delight the Hull KR fanbase.

“I’m over the moon to sign the new deal. I’m really happy where I am now and I’m looking forward to what the future holds,” Lewis said.

He continued: “This year has been massive for me. As a whole team we’ve come so far over the last few years to how we performed last year, getting to the Challenge Cup Final, finishing fourth and making the Play-Off Semi-Finals.

“Willie Peters has done a lot of things on and off the field. He’s helped me get into the mental shape I wanted to get into and he’s been a great influence on helping me improve on the field too.

“It was a very important thing for me and my family (playing for England). Me and everyone involved really enjoyed ourselves over the last three weeks. I’m just a boy from Hull living his dream and to get to pull that England jersey on, was words I can’t describe. I just loved every minute of it.

“It’s going to be a tough pre-season. We’ve got new coaching staff and new players, they’ve got to come in with the same mindset as this year’s group that set the standard.

“Hopefully they can bring what they’ve got from other clubs and take us to that next level. We’re going to be more determined than ever to win something next year. That will be one of our goals next year and it’s all about taking it one step further now.

“The fans are massive for us. At home and the way we travel as well, it doesn’t go unrecognised. When we’re at Sewell Group Craven Park it’s massive for us. When we’re getting tired, the fans are an extra player when they’re singing and chanting. You get your second wind because of what they do. I can’t wait to get back in front of them next season.”

On Lewis’ new deal, Hull KR boss Willie Peters added: “I’m extremely happy to see Mikey extend his time at Hull KR. With Mikey being a homegrown player who’s come through our system, it’s a credit to everyone involved at the club who’s helped Mikey get to where he is now.

“It’s huge for the club and wouldn’t be possible without the fantastic support from our board. We want to keep our homegrown talent at the club and we want to keep them long term. We’ve certainly proved that by locking in Mikey for five years and Jez Litten long term too.

“If you look at Mikey’s year, he played nearly every game this season. The most pleasing part for me is seeing the growth in Mikey as a person, as well as a player. I’ve seen a lot of growth with him this year.

“There were times this year on the field when he was the only recognised spine member in the side and he carried the team on his shoulders.

“I thought he did a great job of that. He took on some responsibilities that didn’t come natural to him at the start of the year, but definitely helped him to develop his game.

“Then was deservedly rewarded with getting in the England team. It just shows where he’s at with his rugby in this first two games (against Tonga). Especially the first game against Tonga, he was the main difference.

“There are only a few players that have the qualities that Mikey has. Now it’s about combining that with working hard, making sacrifices and he’ll be on track to becoming one of the best players in this competition.”