MIKEY LEWIS says that his decision to move to York City Knights on loan was a “no brainer” and dismissed any suggestions that the step down had knocked his confidence.

Lewis joined York on a one-month loan from parent club Hull Kingston Rovers last week.

Having started the first four games of the 2021 season for the Betfred Super League side, it was a surprise to see Lewis sent on loan.

But, on the back of a terrific debut for York in the 35-14 win at Widnes Vikings, which saw him score two tries, the 19-year-old insists that he was keen to make the most of the regular game time.

“Tony Smith sat me down when I went into training and he told things that I need to work on,” said Lewis of his meeting with the Hull KR coach.

“I took them on board and I’m not going to be one to sulk about it. He asked if I’d go to York for the loan and I grabbed it with two hands.

“I want to keep playing every week and I don’t want that (my form) to come out, having played the first four games for Hull KR.

“It was a no brainer to keep playing, I was going to take that opportunity to improve myself and my game.

“I want to prove something to myself really because I know that a lot of people are talking about my defence.

“I just wanted to prove to myself that I’ve got it in me and, like I’ve said, just playing is going to help me a lot improve each week.”

While Lewis particularly caught the eye with his pair of tries, he also came up with a brilliant one-on-one try-saving tackle on his own goal-line against Widnes' Jayden Hatton.

“I just thought, ‘I need to put my body on the line’, and I think that I need to do more of that every week, I need that consistency," he added.

Lewis arrived at the Knights as a half-back by trade and has played the majority of his games for the Robins in 2021 as a half.

York head coach James Ford has publicly said that he sees Lewis as a full-back though and selected the prospect there against Widnes.

“I enjoy it," said Lewis. "It’s a new position for me as I’ve only ever played once there before at the top level.

"I want to keep learning the position and I want to keep learning about the half-back role as well, I don’t want that to come out of me.

“But, they’re both similar and it’s just good to be on the field really.

"That’s the main thing for me, to be on the field, wherever I have to play.”

The highlight of Lewis' eye-catching display against Widnes was his spectacular kick-and-chase try.

York led by just six points with a dozen minutes remaining and Lewis' audacious effort practically sealed the victory.

When asked what was going through his mind, Lewis replied: “I don’t know! It was instinctive.

"I saw the full-back come out of the line and, to be honest, I didn’t even think about it.

“It was just my instinct and I backed my capabilities to do it. Luckily enough, it came off.

“It was just about thinking on my feet and seeing the opportunity. I was just glad to get over.”

That score seemed to encapsulate Ford's pre-match description of Lewis as a "confident player" who is "borderline cocky".

Very few could have complained about that particular try and if Lewis can continue to express himself in an attacking sense, he will provide a huge challenge to defences in the Betfred Championship.

“You have to be confident if you’re playing at this high level because if you’re not then you’re not going to come up with those plays," insisted Lewis.

“I don’t think that’s a confidence play, that’s just eyes up and playing what you see.

“From playing in the Super League to playing in the Championship, people might not see that as a confidence booster, but I see it as one.

“I’m still 19 and to play in this league, it’s still a hard league. I’ve been following it since the start of the season and I’m very impressed with all of the teams, especially with them having a year off.

“This is a top level and I’m just looking to keep on building, getting those relationships with the other halves, middles and outside backs and keep working on the things that need working on.”