Hull KR's Bold Steps: Pioneering New Heights in Their Quadruple Quest!

MIKEY Lewis knows Hull KR have the hunger to chase for more after developing the stomach to defend their treble.

For what Rovers’ stars eat has formed part of a pre-season designed to bring more out of the side that won the lot last year.

Mikey Lewis insists Hull KR are ready to go further as they launch the defence of 2025’s treble.Credit: PA

Talisman Lewis also had the perfect way of being truly brought back down to Earth – changing son Romey’s nappies.

And having the chance to create more photographic memories is also driving him on.

Willie Peters’ side has a momentous start to the season as tonight’s opener sees Super League break new ground in York before taking on NRL champs Brisbane in the World Club Challenge and heading to Las Vegas to face Leeds.

But the talisman, whose brilliance raised them to new heights, believes they are primed to produce more.

Lewis said: “We wanted to do something a little bit further this year – a little bit more fitness, a bit more skill, tackling, wrestling.

“Whatever it is, even nutrition. We just wanted to do a little bit extra and I feel like it’s been successful.

“We’re just chasing everything we can. We’ve got four trophies to chase this year and we’re in a privileged position. I can’t wait and I’m grateful to be in it.

“But after the season, I was back changing nappies, that’s how life is.

“I was Mikey the dad, we went on holiday and chilled out. I spent some quality time with my son, who is the new purpose in my career.

“I make sure I’m doing the best for him and making him proud, so when he grows up he can tell all his mates.

“And there’ll be photos and videos for when we look back to see what dad’s won.”

Rovers’ first task as they look to hold on to the League Leaders’ Shield and Super League title, as well as the Challenge Cup, is to conquer new territory, then to take on the world.

But no-one is getting too big for their boots. That level-headed approach that served them so well last year remains.

Half-back Lewis, 24, added: “It can be a different kind of pressure to defend titles rather than chase them, but it’s about week by week, day by day and starting all over again.

“We’re not going to get too ahead of ourselves. It’s about keeping level-headed, two feet on the ground. Start the process again and see where it takes us.”

Hull KR won the League Leaders’ Shield, Super League title and Challenge Cup last year.Credit: SWPIX.COM

Lewis and Rovers’ English players may have another point to prove, especially against Brisbane, after being part of England’s squad that was whitewashed in the Ashes.

After domestic glory came international frustration – but the World Cup at the end of the year, is the carrot to produce and the same approach to club rugby can help overcome it.

“I’m disappointed with how I performed and how the series went,” Lewis told SunSport. “But it’s life.

“It’s a privilege to play for England. I never take it for granted and I’m proud of doing that.

“I’m not really too bothered what everyone thinks about the group that played, that’s why we had so much success at club level.

“We didn’t care what anyone said about us. It’s their opinion, they’re entitled to it but it’s whether you want to listen or not.

“Australia had a fantastic squad. Maybe we did underperform but it’s life. We’ve got the World Cup to amend that and go there and win it.

“We’re not there just to take part, we’ll be going there to win.”

Hull KR start their season with the first ever Super League game in York, against Liam Harris (left)Credit: SWPIX.COM

Hull KR may have the thrills the start to their season may bring but the real excitement is in York.

After being promoted as Super League expanded to 14 clubs, a new city means new markets to target for the top flight.

And for Knights captain Liam Harris, it completes a journey that began with one solitary appearance for tonight’s (Thurs) opponents as a Championship player in 2017.

But it is not a case of ‘admire your new surroundings but get walloped.’

The scrum-half, 28, said: “I loved my time at Hull KR. I came through there from when I was 12-years-old until leaving when I was about 19, I think.

“They deserve every bit of success that they’ve had but when we walk around York now, there’s a real buzz around the place. Everyone’s speaking to us from old to young now and that’s pretty exciting.

“I think York is the second most visited city in the UK, behind London. We want to make sure that we’re putting the sporting events on that map as well.

“York and Super League need each other equally. The game needs a city like York to grow its profile.

“Now we need to show that we belong here. We’re definitely not here just to finish second bottom. Not a chance.”