MIKEY Lewis hopes to have people feeling blue at the home of the Red Devils as he inspires Hull KR to a treble.
He also has a regular reminder not to get ahead of himself because of Rovers’ fortunes and his stardom – young son Romey.
The half back is the Robins’ talisman and a hero at Craven Park – to opposition fans, he is the man they love to hate.
He has always had the ability to produce. Now he is doing it on a regular basis – and the secret is staying more in the ‘blue zone’ than letting the red mist descend after taking heed of boss Willie Peters’ messages.
“I feel like I’m more composed,” said Lewis. “More in the blue head instead of being in the red head all the time.
“it’s something Willie’s taught me over the three or four years he’s been here. At the beginning of his reign, I was a bit erratic and it’s taken me a couple of years to really calm down.
“He just keeps reminding me, keeps telling me to be in that blue head and there are little things to remind myself of during a game.
“Not everything’s going to go right, but the team also needs you, so if I do a couple of mistakes and I just lose my head…
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“Becoming a dad has helped too, 100 per cent. I feel like I’ve really learnt and grown up as a person over the last 10 months or so.
“I’ve not changed many nappies yet, but I will do and it will bring me down to earth quickly when Romey’s done a bit more mess than I thought he had!”
Lewis off the field is very different to the Lewis seen antagonising opponents and becoming the target for their supporters.
Being the centre of attention – booting the goal that earned Rovers the Challenge Cup and dazzling as they clinched the League Leaders’ Shield – stays on the pitch.
Once he leaves it, he is just a 24-year-old lad, albeit one who eats very differently to others he sometimes meets up with.
He added: “I’m a really chilled person to be honest.
“I like to play a bit of golf in the good weather and go for a coffee, a stroll, see my son and just keep myself to myself really.
“I make sure I’m doing those little one per centers, like making sure my diet’s right and I’m recovered.
“Just doing the professional things that you should be doing. Although after a game, I like to have a beer with my mates – not let my hair down, though.
“But a lot has changed diet-wise. I didn’t really understand it when I first became a professional. I’ve watched people and spoken to players and staff about it.
“I now know why players would stay away from things like McDonald’s. Obviously you’ve got to treat yourself now and then, but it’s knowing when you can and can’t.
“I feel like I’ve got something that works for me. I like the odd cake or two, though. Everyone does. It keeps me sane, I think!
“But I’m a different person with regards to eating because I want to make sure I’m fully fuelled for my performance because I run around a lot and I want to make sure I’ve got a lot of energy to run around with.”
Having such talent and producing for Hull KR on such a regular basis means the attention is never away from Lewis. Especially in a comparative goldfish bowl like his home city and ahead of tomorrow’s Old Trafford clash with Wigan.
Comments can be made not only on social media. They can come anywhere – the supermarket, a restaurant, even waiting at traffic lights in his car.
Learning not to bite back is also a lesson that has come with success – that goes for those around him too.
“It’s part of life now and it’s come around fast,” he told SunSport. “I didn’t really think it would come this fast, but it has.
“It’s obviously weird for my family as well but I’m not getting ahead of myself, so I make sure no-one else is getting ahead of themselves.
“They’re passionate people, they look out for you and you understand sometimes when they do it, but you’ve obviously got to tell them when they’re in the wrong as well.
“It comes in the job, but it is what it is. Back in the day, I was a fan when I was growing up and if I saw my favourite player sat at a restaurant or something you’d want to go and ask them.
“I’ve been in that position before, so when young fans or supporters come up to you you’ve got to give them the time of day because they come and watch you.
“We’re real humble people as rugby players. That’s the person you are, so you’re always welcoming.
“And tomorrow is going to be a blockbuster – but we’re ready to go.”
