Mikey Lewis may have been the match-winner for Hull KR against Castleford Tigers, yet last year’s Man of Steel was unhappy with his display on Friday night.
Half-back Lewis slotted over the crucial drop goal in golden point to snatch a 19-18 win for the hosts at Sewell Group Craven Park after they fought back from 12-8 down at half time.
Castleford came into the match having suffered a shock 18-16 defeat to Betfred Championship side Bradford Bulls in the Betfred Challenge Cup last week, but pushed last year’s Grand Final runners-up all the way until the Robins’ star man stepped up in the extra period.
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“I didn’t play well, personally – a lot of things didn’t go well for me,” Lewis told Sky Sports. “A win is a win, but I’ll look on this game and see what needs improving.
“It’s the first game of the year and you’ve got to blow the cobwebs off, haven’t you?
“This Cas team, you could look at the result on Sunday and think they were going to fall over, but they really turned up and put us in a game.
“We dug deep and that’s what we built on in pre-season, and it feels good to get the win.
A hat-trick of tries from Joe Burgess and one from Peta Hiku, only one of which was converted by the normally reliable Rhyse Martin helped Hull KR cancel out scores from Josh Simm, Fletcher Rooney and Zac Cini, and Tex Hoy’s three goals.
Hoy had a chance to win it for the Tigers late on, only to miss an attempt at goal from a penalty, with Lewis eventually sealing the win for the hosts.
Robins head coach Willie Peters sympathised with the 23-year-old’s frustration, although was relieved to see him get the deciding score after some wayward kicking in training.
“Mikey is a competitor and he wants to win. I think there were a few things out there in the game that might have frustrated him or certain plays,” Peters said.
“But he kicked the field goal, which is great. He missed a couple yesterday [in training] so it was good he kicked one.”
Image: Allan McKenzie/SWpix
