Mikey Lewis goes into bat for Challenge Cup amateurs as revamp causes debate
Reigning Man of Steel Mikey Lewis admits he’s a fan of the revamped Challenge Cup - but insists more should be done in the future of the prestigious competition to allow amateur community sides to host their top-flight opposition.
Super League clubs enter the competition at the third round stage this year, earlier than previously in the hopes of drawing exciting new ties between Super League outfits and lower-league opponents, including those successful from the community game.
It was previously announced that all Super League clubs would be guaranteed to be drawn away, setting up ties such as Toronto Wolfpack versus Siddal from back in 2017 in West Yorkshire.
READ MORE: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves playing stance given as Hull KR wait on RFL call
READ MORE: Hull KR half-back Danny Richardson secures loan move to Super League rival
However, fixtures between community clubs and their Super League opponents have either been reversed, or rearranged to professional stadiums for this weekend.
Lewis’ junior community club West Hull will play 13-time cup winners St Helens at Sewell Group Craven Park, with Leeds Rhinos to host Wests Warriors at Headingley Stadium, and York Acorn against Hull FC to take place at the home of Featherstone Rovers.
“Obviously there’s the regulations and that, but the whole point of us [Super League clubs] coming in early was for them [community clubs] and for the experience,” Lewis declared.
“For me, I’m a bit 50/50 about it. I love the aspect of it, but if we’re going to do it, we need to do it properly. Personally, I feel like if I was West Hull, I’d be thinking, ‘What’s the point of Super League clubs being in it if we can’t play at our own ground?’.
“That’s what I thought the point of it was. That’s my opinion on it, the speciality of it is players you may not see every so often, and getting close up with them and having a chat about it.
“It’s a massive occasion, playing in the Challenge Cup, especially amateur players playing against the likes of Jonny Lomax, for example. I think there’s got to be more depth thought about it next year.
“It’s the first time trying it, so I’m not expecting it to be perfect, but these are the learnings that we can take from this year.”
The Robins meanwhile open their Challenge Cup campaign against York Knights on Friday at the LNER Community Stadium, with a strong 21-man squad named by head coach Willie Peters.
