Jez Litten admits Hull KR's 2023 Challenge Cup final defeat haunted him all the way home from Wembley.

That golden-point heartbreak made last year's triumph even sweeter, transforming the same journey into a celebration that will live with Willie Peters' side forever.

Now Rovers are chasing another unforgettable trip back from London following Saturday's decider against Wigan Warriors.

"Those celebrations were special," he said. "It was the first trophy we'd won for a long time.

"In '23, the journey home from Wembley was the worst travel I've ever had in my life; last year was the best travel I've ever had in my life. Hopefully we get to experience those celebrations again.

"But it's a new year and we're up against a very strong Wigan team. They're a club that have been built on success and we're trying to chase that.

"We're all going to have to give nine out of 10 performances to get the result. If you can take anything from last year's final, it's that defence wins big games."

Litten arrived at Craven Park in the middle of a relegation battle when he joined from Hull FC in 2019.

Jez Litten is chasing an unforgettable high. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — Jez Litten is chasing an unforgettable high. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

Seven years on, the long-serving hooker is preparing for a third Wembley appearance in four seasons with the all-conquering Robins.

"You sort of have to pinch yourself," said Litten, who has been a key figure in KR's rise to quadruple winners. "It's crazy, really.

"We've got a special group, a great coaching staff and a board that backs us. At the minute, we're doing it on the pitch and we've got to keep chasing that.

"I'm just happy to be a part of it and am happy I re-signed."

Jez Litten collects his loser's medal in 2023. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

Litten is under contract until the end of 2029 but significant change is looming at the club with Peters preparing to depart for PNG Chiefs.

Having benefited from Peters' tough love during the Australian's four-year tenure. Litten is determined to help give his head coach a Wembley swansong to remember.

"It'd be special to send him off on a high note in the Challenge Cup," said the 28-year-old.

"He's done so much for the club and for us as players. He's driven the standards that we live by now.

Jez Litten, left, knows Hull KR will need to dig in again this week. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

"All the boys know how important Saturday is, not just for Willie but for our community and the club.

"He's always challenged me. It's not always been smooth sailing. I've been dropped from the team and I've had to work hard.

"He's set me targets and I've hit them – but I don't feel like I'm done yet as a player. I've got a lot of improvement in me and a lot of stuff I want to achieve in the game."

Litten's outstanding form has earned him a place on the early Man of Steel shortlist and put him firmly in contention for the England number nine shirt at the World Cup.

"Playing for England is the pinnacle but I've got to concentrate on my form for Hull KR," said Litten, who has so far earned four international caps. "If I do my job for Hull KR, I'll put myself in the picture."