Jared Waerea-Hargreaves likens Hull KR star man Mikey Lewis to NRL great

Hull KR signing Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has likened Mikey Lewis to a young Mitchell Pearce, who he played with at Sydney Roosters. Waerea-Hargreaves has penned a one-year deal with the Robins and has arrived in east Hull ahead of pre-season starting later this month.

With the move being announced last February, the New Zealand international had the luxury of being able to do his homework and watch Willie Peters’ side from afar last season as they reached the Super League Grand Final. As such, he saw plenty of Lewis magic, with the half-back scoring 19 tries and setting up 24 more in red and white.

It was that form that saw him named Super League Man of Steel and while couldn’t lead KR to Grand Final glory, it took nothing away from his season. Waerea-Hargreaves understandably liked what he saw from the half-back last season and he sees similarities between him and former State of Origin, Roosters, Newcastle Knights and Catalans Dragons playmaker Pearce.

“He reminds me of a Mitch Pearce, a player that I’ve played with,” Waerea-Hargreaves said when asked by Serious About RL about linking up with Lewis at Hull KR. “He’s got this big, vibrant energy about him and he’s super skilful and he loves playing, he loves doing what he does.

“He’s just got this energy about him that when he’s out on the pitch, that’s his home. I feel like he’s a bit like a younger version of Mitchell Pearce when I played at the Roosters early days.”

He added: “I’ve heard many things, also through Victor Radley. I’ve played many games on tour with Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, just guys are good blokes and we have a bit of history but I’m also looking forward to forming those other relationships with guys I don’t know, the skipper Mini (Elliot Minchella) and a couple of the older and younger boys.