Mikey Lewis accuses Cesar Rouge of biting his hand during Hull KR-Catalans clash
Catalans coach Steve McNamara said Rouge was ‘pretty upset’ by the allegation and had ‘done nothing’.
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Hull KR scrum-half Mikey Lewis accused Catalans Dragons full-back Cesar Rouge of biting him during Rovers’ convincing Magic Weekend win over the French side on Sunday.
Lewis claimed Rouge bit his hand during the second half of an emphatic 36-4 triumph at Elland Road that lifted the title-chasing Robins back to the top of the Betfred Super League.
Lewis told Sky Sports: “It’s just one of those things where I’m trying to look after Jez (Litten) and I’m trying to push him off.
“My hand has ended up inside of his mouth and he’s bitten down.
“It’s one of those, I’m trying to push him away.
“Rugby league is a tough enough sport and to bite, it’s not in the game. I’ll let the RFL do their bit and what will be will be. I’ll just move on now.”
The matter will be investigated by the Rugby Football League, but Catalans coach Steve McNamara was incredulous over the affair.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, McNamara said: “That needs looking at. It was two blokes standing and one puts his hand in the other bloke’s mouth and pushes down on it and moves him about.
“You can’t have a biting allegation on that. That’s wrong.
“Cesar is pretty upset that he has been alleged to have done a bite. He has done nothing. He has stood there and someone has put his hand in his mouth. I’d be very surprised if any action is taken against Cesar.”
Cesar is pretty upset that he has been alleged to have done a bite. He has done nothing
The incident overshadowed a scintillating performance by Rovers, who ran in eight tries as they leapfrogged Wigan at the summit and mathematically secured a play-off spot.
Elliot Minchella, Ryan Hall and Kelepi Tanginoa all crossed twice, with further tries for Peta Hiku and Niall Evalds.
Robins coach Willie Peters said: “I’m very proud of the players.
“We played well today, but we just take it game by game. When we break it down there’ll be a lot to like, but there is also some improvement to be made.”
The only real blemish on Rovers’ display was Lewis’ failure to convert all but two of his side’s tries.
Peters said: “I haven’t spoken to Mick about the biting. I need to look at that and the goal-kicking is one of those things.
“He had a bad day, but fortunately for us it didn’t cost us.”
McNamara lamented a lacklustre display that leaves his side with work to do to cement their top-six place.
He said: “Rovers were very good and you have to give them credit for that.
“They were too good and deserved to win but, at the same time, our complete lack of resilience in the second half was really poor and that is really disappointing.”