Brisbane Broncos head coach Michael Maguire has done his homework on Super League sensation Mikey Lewis ahead of the World Club Challenge, and has backed the Hull KR half-back to succeed if he ever tests himself in the NRL.
Lewis has been cleared to play in this week’s blockbuster match after avoiding a suspension for a controversial trip on York Knights’ Liam Harris on the opening night of Super League. The Robins’ No.6 will be fired up to right that wrong – and create more history for the East Hull club.
The 24-year-old dynamo was pivotal in Hull KR’s historic 2025 treble – winning the Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield, and Super League title – and has recently committed his future to the club, signing a huge five-year deal at Sewell Group Craven Park until 2030. But the England star has not hidden his NRL ambitions as well, hinting that one day he could take his talents Down Under.
Brisbane coach Maguire believes Lewis has what it takes to make an impact in the NRL, should he ever decide to make the move.
“I’ve watched a lot of him – he’s a talent,” Maguire said.
“His speed, his strike, he can show the ball and take you on.
“His kicking game… he’s got a lot of attributes that he could probably take out to Australia. If he chooses to do that, I’m sure he’d do well.”
Hull KR’s fairytale 2025 season ended a 40-year wait for major silverware in emphatic fashion, dominating the northern hemisphere scene, while Brisbane, fresh from ending a 19-year NRL premiership drought of their own, are chasing their third world title – the first since 1997.
“Hull KR work really hard for each other,” Maguire added. “You become successful for a reason, and it’s the things that they’re doing as a team.
“They can shift the ball, they can attack and get you anywhere on the field. We’re very aware of what they’re going to throw at us. We’ve got to make sure defensively that we’re really strong.
“The forwards lay a platform for the spine, so I’m sure it’s going to be a tough battle in the middle of the field as well. We’re looking forward to it.”
