Hull KR have, unquestionably, had an unbelievable season.
As recently as 2017, the club was in the Championship, and only stayed up in 2019 thanks to points difference, and 2020 because Toronto Wolfpack withdrew from the competition.
Since then, the club has made remarkable strides both on and off the field, and they could now get their first major trophy since 1985 if they hold on to their position in the Super League table.
Key signings ahead of the current campaign, including Niall Evalds and Oliver Gildart, have contributed heavily to their excellent results, as has head coach Willie Peters, who has done incredibly well to improve on last year’s fourth-placed finish.
However, there’s one man that has stood above the rest.
Why Hull KR man should win the 2024 Man of Steel
Credit: Imago Images
Mikey Lewis is a figure that is often the cause of much debate – most recently thanks to a biting allegation against Catalans Dragons – but one thing that can’t be debated is his quality.
He’s a leader on the field in other ways – his presence in the halves is excellent, helping to organise his teammates, and he tends to perform on the big occasion, scoring in a huge victory over fellow League Leaders’ Shield-hopefuls Warrington Wolves recently, and providing important assists throughout.
He’s also consistent – scoring a try in six of the last seven games in a string of victories that has seen his side take the top spot.
It’s hard to debate his stats, being the third-highest try-scorer in the league, despite not being an outside-back, and being joint-second for assists, just one behind Marc Sneyd at Salford.
He’s right up there for tackle busts and clean breaks, showing that his individual talent is vital for metre-making as well as playmaking.
If Hull KR’s trophy drought is over after this season, it’ll be an unbelievable season from Mikey Lewis that was key to making it happen.
There may be a new points-scoring system to determine the winner in recent years, but few will be able to deny that Mikey Lewis would deserve the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Award for 2024.
