Hull KR's Jez Litten "still sore" but fresh enough to take on Saints legend James Roby

The livewire No9 played a full 80 minutes for the first time in his Super League career as Rovers stunned Wigan.

Litten, 22, was central to that success with his darting play out of dummy-half but the ex-Hull FC player also stood up defensively.

At just five foot nine, and barely 13 stone, he is often targeted by opponents but he got through around 50 tackles to help keep Wigan at bay in the 34-18 triumph.

It was Litten’s first game since March and - although Australian regular rake Matt Parcell is back in contention - he hopes to get the nod to go against champions St Helens tomorrow night.

“It was just good to get out there and all put in a tough effort,” he said, as Rovers ended a seven-game losing run.

“It'd been coming. We’d had some good performances and just fell short at the end but it all came together last week.

“I enjoyed it playing 80. It was my first time doing that and I still feel a little bit sore now but I’m ready to go.

“We spoke about our defence as we’d let some soft tries in the last few weeks and wanted to make our online ‘d’ much better.

“They tested us a lot and we did hold out.

“I've still got things to improve on and my defence could be better in parts but it was my first game in over five months.

“It was good to make a break early on. When the big boys running and getting quick play the balls it makes it easier and hopefully I’ll get more of that.”

St Helens have legendary England hooker Roby back in their ranks after he missed last week’s game.

The former Man of Steel, 34, is rated one of the best players of his generation.

Hull-born Litten said: “I respect him a lot and looked up to him growing up.

“He's just a machine; he can play the full 80 minutes and hopefully I get to go up against him.

“We played St Helens the other week and the boys did really well to go in 12-12 at the break. We were unlucky to come away on the wrong end of the result.

“But Saints are definitely the benchmark, just watching them run and tackle hard like they do.

“I think they're up there with one of the best packs in the world. But we’re looking forward to it.”

Rampant Saints are unbeaten since the return from lockdown and did lead the competition until yesterday's decision to change to win points percentage saw Catalans Dragons replace them at the top.

They also have Zeb Taia back in the fold while KR see Australian prop Mitch Garbutt return to the 21-man squad in the only change for unused Jamie Ellis.

He is set to come straight into the 17.

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James Mitchinson