Hull KR dealt injury blow as Mikey Lewis limps out of Hull derby

There was a major blow for Hull KR during the first quarter of their Challenge Cup quarter-final against Hull FC.

After just fifteen minutes, star halfback and reigning Man of Steel Mikey Lewis appeared to pull up with a leg issue.

He seemed to be holding his groin after running down the left of the pitch in support of an attacking play down that side.

However, the Rovers media team are reporting an ankle issue.

The Hull KR’s physio attended to him and it looked like Lewis might continue.

However, after a minute of attempting to run the pain off, he signalled to the backroom staff that he was unable to continue.

He was replaced in the 16th minute by Jez Litten and went straight down the tunnel.

That meant that Mickey McIlorum would have to play a full 80 minutes at hooker as Litten slotted into the halves alongside Tyrone May.

In a Super League tie, Hull KR boss Willie Peters could’ve moved Arthur Mourgue into the halves but unfortunately, having already played for Catalans Dragons in this year’s Cup competition, he was cup-tied and unavailable.

Lewis has already missed a game this season following an ankle injury he sustained in round two against Wakefield Trinity.

However, despite initial fears of a long-term injury, he only missed the following match and returned in round four.

Lewis will be a tough figure to replace with the majority of Hull KR’s attack going through his hands.

Last week’s player-of-the-match performance against Huddersfield Giants showed exactly why he could easily be up to retain the Man of Steel award again in 2025.

Lewis spoke to BBC reporter Damian Johnson at half-time and confirmed he wouldn’t be back on the pitch this afternoon.