HULL KR STAR ON BEING ONE OF SUPER LEAGUE'S MOST EXCITING TALENTS: 'FEAR NOTHING IN FRONT OF YOU'

It's no surprise Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis is so fearless - he’s reminded of the fact every day.

The diminutive England scrum-half is one of Super League’s most exciting talents. Breaking open the tightest of defences with a burst of acceleration or crafty footwork, he’s lit up the competition. But Lewis, who bids to take Rovers back to Wembley in Saturday’s Challenge Cup semi-final against Wigan, is just as renowned for his fiery nature.

He certainly packs a punch for his size and one of his many tattoos declares: ‘Fear nothing in front of you because you know who’s behind you.’ Lewis, 22, explained: “It’s just about fearing nothing, really. That’s a big part of my outlook: not fearing anything, just attacking things head first.

“I’ve always backed myself. I’m a competitor. There’s no point being afraid things are going to go wrong. I’m doing it to win for myself and my team. Anything I’ll do, I’ll do 100 percent. But I’ve also got my great-grandma’s date of birth. She’s a big part of my life: that’s the one that means the most.”

So Lewis definitely won't be worried about things going pear-shaped against Wigan at the weekend. Rovers beat them at this stage of the Cup last year in golden-point extra-time - only to lose in similar circumstances to Leigh at Wembley. Lewis admits they are desperate to get back there and win the famous trophy for the first time since their solitary success in 1980.

He said: “After being at Wembley last year, experiencing it all for the first time, that does a massive job for this time. It’s something we spoke about at the beginning of the season. We’re 80 minutes away again from the final.

"It’d be massive to get there and lift that trophy. We’re a bit more consistent this season compared to last but we’ve still got the same mindset and the boys who played in that final are even more driven to go there and do it.”

And Lewis’ battle with Wigan No7 Harry Smith could go a long way to deciding who gets that shot. They paired up for England in last autumn’s series victory over Tonga when captain George Williams was suspended for the opening two Tests. Lewis said: “We got to know each other in those three weeks in England camp which was good.

"And obviously playing against him when we play Wigan it is a good rivalry and good competition for both of us. The banter’s flowing and we’ve both got a job to do for our sides. I’m really looking forward to facing him.”

Rovers boss Willie Peters says captain Elliot Minchella and prop Sam Luckley are “on track” for the showdown after missing Thursday’s 20-8 loss at Warrington through injury.

2024-05-15T09:15:24Z dg43tfdfdgfd