Hull City manager Willie Peters has cited Jack Ashworth's late elbow incident as evidence Mikey Lewis needs extra protection after he was attacked in the 18-4 derby win over Hull FC; watch every Super League match live on Sky Sports.
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Hull KR manager Willie Peters reflects on his side's win over Hull FC, which moved them closer to the 'best defence' in Super League history.
Hull City manager Willie Peters has called for more protection for star player Mikey Lewis after his side secured a tough 18-4 Super League win over Hull FC at Craven Park.
Peters accused some of the visiting players of “deliberately” attacking Lewis and appeared to refer to an incident late in the match when prop Jack Ashworth appeared to elbow a Rovers player in the face.
Peters said: “I probably lose my cool and my composure more often than Mikey, and that was great because I talked to the players about not getting involved in those situations.”
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“I’m all for physical intent, and I understand there will be some nitpicking, but some things have gone too far.
“Considering the way he was treated, it's incredible he kept his composure. He's a key player and there will be a lot of attention on him, but you don't learn to live with an elbow to the head.”
“Accidents happen, but this is not an accident, this is a deliberate act. This must not happen again. We must protect him.”
Pictured: Mikey Lewis in attack from Hull FC's Jordan Rapana, Cade Cust and Zak Hardaker.
Peters admitted his side lost focus and discipline midway through a tense encounter that was never resolved until the brilliant Jez Litten burst forward to score his side's second goal early in the second half.
The result means Rovers will win the League Shield unless they lose their final two games and Wigan win both by 100 points or more.
“It was ugly, it was a very close game, like any derby, but we needed the win and we got it, so we move on, we strive to improve and we have to play Wakefield next week,” added Peters.
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Highlights from the Super League match between Hull KR and Hull FC
“I might have a beer after that, but I certainly won't be celebrating winning the League of Leaders. We know it's not ours until we get some points. But I think it's good because we need to be in shape at this time of year.”
Hull FC manager John Cartwright is confident his side can still challenge for the post-season play-offs despite a defeat that left their title hopes in doubt.
FC head into their final two games a point behind sixth-placed Wakefield and are in desperate need of help from Rovers, who travel to Belle Vue next week.
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Hull FC manager John Cartwright reflects on two mistakes his side made during their defeat to Hull City.
Cartwright: Playoff race nearing end
“We'll be rooting for Rovers to win next week,” admitted Cartwright. “It looks like it's going to be a big one but we've just got to look after ourselves, dust ourselves off, get the team together and go out there and beat Warrington.”
“I believe with all my heart that we can win the next two games and whether that will be enough to get into the top six is the question. We need to be a little bit smarter and a little bit of luck will do no harm and I definitely believe we can get to the final.”
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Hull CR's Elliott Minchella was sent off for the tackle as tempers flared in the Hull derby.
As well as the likely punishment for Ashworth, Cartwright could also be without Jordan Rapana after the influential centre was sent off late in the match for an apparent high tackle.
Rapana has accumulated enough disciplinary points to be on the brink of disqualification, and Cartwright said: “I hope it hasn't caught him off guard. Hopefully it's just a matter of time. If not, we'll hope he's OK.”
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Sourse: skysports.com
