A recent recruit to the English Super League has thrown a surprising gauntlet down to the National Rugby League (NRL), claiming that the training intensity at his new club, Hull KR, surpasses that of any Australian system he’s experienced. Mikey Lawton, a seasoned dummy-half with over 100 NRL games under his belt, has made the bold assertion that the northern English club’s pre-season regimen is significantly more demanding than what he’s encountered during his stints with the North Queensland Cowboys, Manly Sea Eagles, New Zealand Warriors, and the Gold Coast Titans.
Lawton, who recently made his club debut for Hull KR in the Betfred Challenge Cup, played a pivotal role in their resounding 104-0 victory over Lock Lane. This dominant performance served as a crucial warm-up as the Robins gear up to face the formidable Brisbane Broncos at MKM Stadium on February 19th. Speaking to NRL.com, Lawton revealed his astonishment at the high standards maintained across the entire Hull KR organisation, highlighting a fierce internal competition for spots in the first-grade side.
Unwavering Commitment to Training
“They train harder here,” Lawton stated unequivocally. “I’ll swear that: they train hard here. That’s what enticed me as well. I’d heard from players when they come over here, how hard they train and how physical as well. And when I came here, I was pretty impressed with how the boys went. It’s top-notch. You can see why they’ve had so much success because what they do out there (on the training field) replicates on the field.”
The Murwillumbah-born athlete’s move to England was driven by a desire to challenge himself, step outside his comfort zone, and further develop his leadership capabilities within the Robins’ setup. He was particularly struck by the sheer competitiveness evident within the English outfit.
Chasing Opportunity and a Hunger for Success
“I don’t like sitting in one place the whole time. I like change. I try to chase opportunity,” Lawton elaborated. “Whoever gives you the next shot is where I want to be – especially at a club like this that competes on everything, that’s hungry, that trains hard. It’s too good to pass up and the success they’ve had in the 2025 season, I think it’s silly not to take that opportunity.”
Hull KR enters their clash with the Broncos in formidable form, and the MKM Stadium is expected to be a hostile environment for the visiting Australian side. The Brisbane Broncos will need to be at their absolute best to claim the World Club Challenge title, currently held by the Wigan Warriors from their 2024 triumph.
A Return to Las Vegas Awaits
Following their World Club Challenge encounter, Hull KR is scheduled to travel to Las Vegas to face the Leeds Rhinos. This fixture presents Lawton with a second opportunity to play at the iconic Allegiant Stadium. He previously featured in the inaugural fixture in 2024 with the Manly Sea Eagles, experiencing a significant victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a game that marked a historic moment for the Rugby League code in the United States.
Lawton is now aiming to maintain a perfect record in Sin City, a rare feat achieved by only a select few. This list includes players like Daniel Atkinson and Damien Cook, who are slated to represent the Dragons in Round 1.
More Than Just Football in Las Vegas
Reflecting on his previous experience in Las Vegas, Lawton described it as an unforgettable adventure. “It’s a fun time, especially if you win. I went to the Grand Canyon, saw a hockey game, saw Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, went to the Sphere, did so many things,” he shared. “It was unbelievable and I think it’s a good opportunity for people who haven’t been before to experience a whole new lifestyle. Like, living over there for a week, 10 days, however long you go for… it’s something you will never experience again in your life.”
Versatility: A Key Asset
Beyond his surprising claims about training intensity, Lawton brings a valuable attribute to Hull KR: versatility. During his time with the Manly Sea Eagles in 2021, he demonstrated his ability to effectively transition into the second row, proving his capability to compete at a high level across different positions. This adaptability was once again on display in his recent outing against Lock Lane in the third round of the Challenge Cup, showcasing his well-rounded skill set.
