COMMETH the hour, commeth the Man of Steel.
Down 14-6 away to Leeds Rhinos with 20 minutes remaining following a controversial red card for Jesse Sue after a high tackle, Betfred Super League leaders Hull KR fought back to snatch a stunning victory to move four points clear of the chasing pack.
Jack Broadbent’s two tries for the Robins might have helped him earn player-of-the-match honours, but head coach Willie Peters hailed star halfback Mikey Lewis for stepping up after a display which included kicking a 40-20 and putting the seal on the win with a try after being sent clear by Broadbent.
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“I’m really pleased with that because there’s times Mikey has been in the game but doesn’t come up with the big play, but tonight he did,” Peters told BBC Radio Humberside.
“Some people might say he didn’t play well because he hasn’t come up with a big play…but the best halves in the competition, and the NRL as well, find a way to get into games at key moments and key times.
“I think this is a stepping stone for Mikey and shows his growth as a player and a playmaker.
“To be able to kick that 40-20 and then score that try but set it up first was a big play and key moment in the game.”
Hull KR’s cause was aided by Leeds, who also had Jack Sinfield sin-binned early in the contest, having Ash Handley contentiously dismissed for a high tackle as well to level the playing numbers at 12-a-side.
Handley and Riley Lumb, plus three goals from Lachie Miller, had put the Rhinos in control, while James Batchelor got Hull KR’s other try after being set up by Peta Hiku.
Lewis and fellow spine players Tyrone May, Jez Litten and Arthur Mourgue, who kicked two goals, earned the praise of Robins skipper Elliot Minchella for digging them out of a hole in the final quarter.
“We did it tough going down to 12 and full credit to our spine – I thought they were outstanding,” Minchella told BBC Radio Five Live Sports Extra.
“Those boys iced it in the last 20 minutes and got us over the line.
“It took a lot of character to turn it around in the second half and stay in the fight, but we’ve come away with the win.
“We were pretty shocking in that first half – probably the worst half of rugby we’ve dished up. Not great, but it’s two points.”
LEEDS RHINOS 14 (Handley, Lumb tries, Miller 3 goals) lost to HULL KR 20 (J Broadbent 2, J Batchelor, M Lewis tries, A Mourgue 2 goals)
Referee: Chris Kendall
Sin bin: J Sinfield (Leeds)
Sent off: J Sue (Hull KR), A Handley (Leeds)
