Man of Steel Contenders: Mikey Lewis

2024 Man of Steel contender Mikey Lewis really is magic and has been instrumental in Hull KR’s history-making season.

With a top two finish secured for the first time ever, Lewis’ side now find themselves just 80 minutes from a maiden Betfred Super League Grand Final, with their star man’s infectious passion, determination and belief as a huge contributory factor.

At the heart of everything Hull KR do, the heroic half-back has been in unstoppable form, and as the Robins’ chief entertainer, he has constantly topped the club’s attacking stats, as well as those across the entire Super League competition.

When @mikeylewis32 has the ball - you know the drill ?@hullkrofficial well on top ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/cozOPXZxnt

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 30, 2024

Lewis has been hugely influential in the Robins’ pursuit of their highest finish in the Super League era and was a worthy inclusion in the 2024 Super League Dream Team. This is Lewis' first appearance in the team and he was joined by fellow teammate Elliot Minchella.

The 23-year-old talent also deservedly earned back-to-back Glen’s Vodka Player of the Month Awards in July and August for his exceptional efforts and has received Sky Sports’ Player of the Match medal on countless occasions throughout the season.

His ability to create and score tries make him a constant threat in attack, while his accurate goal-kicking has proved pivotal in plenty of his side’s victories – and this has seen the Robins playmaker end the regular season as the league’s top points scorer - with 216 points across 27 rounds.

With the Robins playing their most attractive rugby league to date, Lewis has produced more try assists than any other player in the 2024 campaign - bar Leigh Leopards’ Lachlan Lam, who also has 24 under his belt. He also came up with 19 tries and has made an impressive total of 19 line breaks, 19 line break assists, 148 tackles busts and ran for 3471 metres from a huge 416 runs. 

When @mikeylewis32 has the ball - you know the drill ?@hullkrofficial well on top ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/cozOPXZxnt

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 30, 2024

But it isn't just Lewis’ skillset that sets him apart. Arguably, his most impressive stat this season lies in his appearance record – Lewis has featured 26 out of 27 times for Hull KR in 2024, and his emotion and enthusiasm when playing is clear for all to see. He is fearless and a born competitor. 

Sealed with a kiss ?

Another magic performance from Mikey Lewis ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/Shv3UZDeT7

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 14, 2024

And one man who knows him more than most, is his proud head coach, Willie Peters who told the BBC:

“The Dream Team is a huge achievement for Mikey [Lewis] and I think it shows his efforts all season. As an individual, he has really excelled this year. He’s in one of the key positions – the spine are always known as the communicators, the game managers and for producing the big moments.

“It’s nice to have him in that key position for us, and I’ve seen a lot of great in him – both on and off the field. Mikey is a fighter.”

If Lewis is successful and wins the Man of Steel award next week, he will be the first Hull KR player in the Super League era to do so - and the second in their history behind Gavin Miller in 1986. This would without doubt be another remarkable achievement for Lewis and the Robins in 2024.

The winner of the 2024 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel will be announced on Tuesday 8 October at Royal Armouries, Leeds at Rugby League's biggest and most inclusive Awards Night - when the winners of more than a dozen other awards will also be celebrated, including the 2024 Woman of Steel, and Wheels of Steel as the year's outstanding player in Wheelchair Rugby League.