Shortly after watching Wigan Warriors lift the Super League trophy, an emotional Mikey Lewis faced the media.

The pain of defeat was written on his face but the Hull KR half-back spoke like a man determined not to let his first Grand Final define him.

With the smoke still clearing from Wigan's celebrations, Lewis declared the experience had ignited a fire in him to return and win it in 2025.

Twelve months on, the Robins are back at Old Trafford, their historic season shaped by Lewis' influence.

Front and centre all year, the half-back helped Rovers break their long trophy drought at Wembley before steering Willie Peters' team to the League Leaders' Shield as Super League's most dangerous player statistically.

There is no sense of inferiority as they prepare to share the stage with Wigan once again, Hull KR arriving this time hardened by experience and guided by seasoned campaigners Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Michael McIlorum.

"It's a lot different," said Lewis.

"I feel like we've experienced big games now and we've got big-game players.

Mikey Lewis believes he is a better player for last year's Grand Final experience. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — Mikey Lewis believes he is a better player for last year's Grand Final experience. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

"We've got Jared and Micky who have played in a lot of big games. That helps lads like me, Jez (Litten), Mini (Elliot Minchella) and Deano (Dean Hadley) who are still learning.

"We've had enough big games now to hopefully go one step further this year. We took our learnings from last year and after winning that first trophy at Wembley, we want to chase that feeling again.

"I feel like we've proved this year that we have full confidence in each other and the courage and belief to own big moments.

"Wigan are probably the best team in the competition at that at the moment – but we're not far behind. Hopefully we own more big moments than them and lift that trophy."

Mikey Lewis, left, watches on as Bevan French races clear to score the only try of last year's Grand Final. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

Lewis was involved in the moments that defined the 2024 Grand Final – for all the wrong reasons.

KR's star man had a try correctly ruled out in the early stages before being held up over the line courtesy of a last-ditch effort led by Bevan French.

The Wigan playmaker went on to score the game's only try with a piece of individual brilliance after skipping away from Lewis.

There is pressure on the influential 24-year-old to redress the balance and make this his Grand Final, a challenge laid down by his head coach.

Mikey Lewis had to settle for a runner-up medal this time last year. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

For Lewis, that means dismissing any negative thoughts about last year.

"I moved on pretty fast because I couldn't do anything about it," he said.

"I've learned from that mistake. I feel like I've done that really well this year.

"I won't think about it or talk about it. I just took my learnings from it and worked on stuff I needed to work on to get better.

"I just want to play my game like I have all year."

Lewis has been involved in more tries than any other player in Super League for the second season running, scoring 20 himself and laying on 30 for others.

The half-back was Hull KR's Wembley hero in June. (Photo: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com)

But the only way he can step out of French's shadow is by outperforming his rival on the biggest stage.

To do that, Lewis may just borrow a few tricks from his opposite number's playbook.

"You learn from a lot of players and Bevan is world-class," said Lewis, who followed French as Man of Steel last year before earning a place on the three-man shortlist for this season's award.

"You learn things from what he does and watching him on video. The things he does off the ball, you want to replicate that.

"It takes a lot of effort and hard work. I feel like I'm striving that way."

Lewis is already assured of his place in the history books after kicking the winning conversion in the Challenge Cup final to end 40 years of hurt.

Now, four months later and with the League Leaders' Shield a fresh addition to the trophy cabinet, Rovers stand on the brink of an unprecedented treble.

Never before have KR won three trophies in a single season - and it is an opportunity Lewis does not want to pass up.

Asked if becoming one of the great Super League teams was part of this week's motivation, he replied: "One hundred per cent.

"As a player you have that chance maybe once in your career, why not chase that? We want to do that and everyone is on the same page about what's at stake.

"But it's about fully concentrating for the full 80 minutes because this Wigan team can pick you apart at any time as they showed on Friday night (in the semi-final win over Leigh Leopards)."

What began as an underdog story has quickly developed into one of Super League's fiercest rivalries.

Saturday's Grand Final is the latest chapter, a clash that promises all the intensity and drama fans have come to expect.

"It's fantastic," said Lewis.

"It's how it should be – two great teams going at it every time we play.

"It's always a tight game and great to be involved in every time you step out."