Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has addressed any possible Mikey Lewis frustrations after the Robins’ 19-18 win over Castleford Tigers.
Just 24 hours after Grand Final winners Wigan Warriors were defeated in golden point by Leigh Leopards, the 2024 Grand Final runners-up Hull KR edged their golden point thanks to a Mikey Lewis drop goal.
Lewis spoke on Sky Sports claiming that “a lot of things didn’t go well for me” with the Man of Steel not quite up to his usual thrilling standards, however, he was there when it mattered which is something that Willie Peters praised.
Asked about Lewis’ own damning assessment and frustration, Peters told Sky Sports: “He’s a competitor who wants to win.
“I think there were a few things that happened in the game tonight that might have frustrated him or certain players but he kicked the field goal which was great.”
The hard-fought win continues the Robins’ strong home record and ensures they enter Round Two with points on the board.
Hull KR boss heaps praise on Castleford Tigers
Credit: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
The match finished 18-18 at the 80-minute hooter despite Hull KR outscoring Castleford four tries to three, but many fans and pundits expected Rovers to win with a lot more ease.
Castleford kicked on massively from their dismal Challenge Cup performance and Peters was keen to stress just how good the Tigers were
“Rugby league is back,” he said.
“I thought Cas were outstanding tonight, we got the result but it could have gone either way. I’m happy we won but there was a lot of lessons as well.
“I think we made it hard for ourselves, in the first half we got to the end of our set on only four out of 12 and they completed 100% and that’s important.”
Referencing that Challenge Cup loss, he added: “Full credit to Cas who had a five-day turnaround off the back of last week and they certainly responded.
“We played against a team who are well and truly up for it. I’m really proud of our players to come back in that second half.”
With many expecting Hull KR to win easily, Peters was asked by BBC Radio Humberside if his side had potentially overlooked their opponents – something that he denied.
He said: “I’ll have to have another look but I don’t think so. If the players were complacent then it’s something we’ll look at it but I certainly don’t think so,” before also confirming a clean bill of health from the match.
