Hull KR expecting ‘energised’ Mikey Lewis but star reminded of need for calm ahead of suspension return

Mikey Lewis will sit out on Thursday night as he serves the fourth and final game of his ban and Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has now admitted that the time on the sidelines may well have helped his star player.

Lewis will return next Tuesday against Warrington Wolves in the rescheduled fixture from round two, back when Hull KR beat Brisbane Broncos in the World Cup Challenge.

Ironically, Lewis actually picked up his four-match ban for his actions against Warrington, namely a headbutt on Adam Holroyd before a hit off the ball on Ewan Irwin, but Peters has asserted his belief that the time off has helped Lewis recharge.

“He’s starting to be more vocal now in team meetings, obviously getting closer to come back,” the Australian said at his press conference on Monday.

“I think it’s good for him to be able to sit back and watch and look at where we can be better but we spoke about the calmness of the team in terms of our attack at the moment. He’ll learn from this period.”

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Hull KR boss explains positives of Mikey Lewis’ ban

Peters has spoken in depth recently about the calm in the Hull KR attack with veteran Ryan Hampshire the man to have replaced Mikey Lewis these past two weeks.

Hampshire will play again on Thursday night against Catalans as the Robins continue with their two full-backs in attack system, in which both the actual full-back and the scrum-half play out of depth, whilst Tyrone May serves as the on-the-ball half.

Lewis has been able to use his time away to study that but also catch up, with Peters admitting: “It’s good for him to be able to to sit back at times. When you’re in the midst of it and week to week, you can get caught up in it when you’re on that treadmill. He’s been able to take a breath, he needs to learn from his situation and what’s put him on the sidelines.”

He’s expected a ready version of Lewis next Tuesday, though he also asserted the need for the former Man of Steel to remain calm, something that may be even more relevant when facing an opponent who he has previously copped a large ban against.

“I’m confident when he comes back, we’ll see an energised Mikey Lewis and, he needs to be that calm head as well, because that’s what’s helped us get through these last three games.”