Bar is raised for Rovers to continue delivering the goods

The ruthless 23-10 derby win at Hull FC on Good Friday has rightly swelled confidence on the east of the river but their dynamic full-back admits they cannot now rest on their laurels.

Craig Sandercock’s side have picked up four wins in five games to gain some real impetus and he insists that has to be maintained at Craven Park this afternoon.

“If we keep putting in performances like we did against Hull, and especially defending like that, then we will a win a lot of games,” said Eden.

“That last five minutes of the first half, when we were down to 12 men, was just outstanding and a big effort from the boys.

“But we have to carry it on now when Wigan get here.

“It’s about recovering well and then going out and giving it our all again. We know the next four games are all tough so we have to start well again.”

In addition to Wigan, they host St Helens on Sunday before heading to previous leaders Huddersfield Giants and then – after the Challenge Cup fourth round – entertaining champions Leeds Rhinos on April 28.

Eden, meanwhile, is looking to deliver more assured performances like he did at the KC Stadium. Renowned for his attacking flair, he came in for criticism after an error-strewn display in the win against former club Castleford eight days ago, proving shaky under the high ball and coughing it up to too easily to crucially lead to points being leaked.

However, he comfortably handled the pressure of his first derby experience since joining from Huddersfield, producing some fine last-ditch tackles and showing plenty of confidence.

“Craig said that everyone has a bad game like that and I’d just got to turn around and get my head up for the derby,” explained the 22-year-old.

“I think I did that and it was an awesome experience.

“There’s nothing to look forward to more than the derby and it lived up to its expectations.

“It was a massive reception and just to play in a stadium like the KC and have all those fans on your back was good.

“All I could hear was the noise. You can’t hear each other when you’re passing the ball and it gets you in the mood to get you winning.

“Right from that first half we were on it and to shut them to zero at half-time was excellent. I think that’s what got us the win and all 17 of us dug in.”

Wigan arrive with Australian stand-off Blake Green and England prop Scott Taylor both making their first returns to Craven Park since leaving Rovers for “substantial” fees at the end of last season.

Eden, meanwhile, the player once described by then Huddersfield coach Nathan Brown as “the new Billy Slater”, insists he will not change his casual one-handed ball-carrying style. The technique can cause flutters for those watching but Eden explained: “I’ve always done it.

“It’s natural for me and I don’t really think about it.

“And, when I do it, sometimes it gives me better footwork to get through and a bit more balance.”