Old Trafford visit just the tonic for Jez Litten as Hull KR target fresh slice of Super League history

Summer gives way to autumn, the long regular campaign is replaced by knockout rugby and suddenly the senses are heightened.

For Jez Litten, those feelings were stirred earlier this week when he returned to Old Trafford, the scene of Hull KR's famous Grand Final win last October.

The regular season suggested Rovers are not the force they were 12 months ago but the play-offs offer a chance to reset. They have had opportunities to recharge and this week's trip down memory lane provided a timely reminder of what this group is capable of.

"Honestly, I had goosebumps coming in," said Litten. "We stayed in that hotel outside so it's brought back a lot of memories.

"We're hoping to replicate that this year. There's obviously a big challenge ahead against some top teams but we're well prepared for it.

"There are no excuses. We've had a couple of rests now."

When the defending champions conceded six tries in a home defeat by Toulouse Olympique during a gruelling run of four games in a fortnight, they looked like a team running on empty.

But they head to Warrington Wolves on Saturday with renewed energy after Willie Peters rested key personnel against Wigan Warriors and St Helens.

The youngsters who stepped in at Saints gave their more experienced team-mates something to take into the play-offs.

"It was good to watch the young lads last week," said Litten. "They really stepped up.

"It gave us motivation, seeing how they went about their business and the energy they had. They did all the things we value.

"We had a full team there watching them and we all felt proud. It gave us a buzz and we'll take that into Saturday.

"We want to repay them for giving us the week off. I'm sure we'll do that."

The Robins head into the eliminators with just one win in five games but their recent form tells only part of the story at the end of a season that has taken them from world club glory and Las Vegas to the brink.

Rovers have already suffered more than double last year's number of defeats, yet the belief gained during that golden period remains intact.

The next challenge for Peters' history-makers is to become the first side to win the Super League title from sixth.

"We've had some disappointing performances this year and can't shy away from that," said Litten. "But it's play-off rugby and I know all our boys will be firing for it.

"Ever since Willie arrived, we've been involved in these big games. We've had heartbreak here and have won here as well, which is still fresh in our minds.

"But no two years are the same. We'd obviously love to be where we were last year with two trophies in the bag and the week off but we've got a different route this year, knowing no other team has done it. That's exciting."

The team to beat at the start of the year, the Robins enter the play-offs as outsiders after finishing sixth.

Rovers lost twice to Warrington in the second half of the regular season but produced when it mattered most to secure a Wembley place at the expense of their rivals.

That Challenge Cup win was just the latest example of KR's ability to rise to the big occasion under Peters.

"Warrington are a top team," acknowledged Litten. "And if you don't perform, you'll get beat.

"But I know our boys will turn up in a big game like this. We've shown we can do that in the past.

"I'm expecting us to show up. If we do that, we'll get the win."

Peters' final season at the helm has reached the point where every game could bring the curtain down on his Rovers story.

Litten wants to ensure his departing coach can add at least one more chapter this weekend.

"There are some special players and staff leaving the club," said the long-serving hooker.

"Willie has transformed the club. We want to send him and everyone else out on a high.

"That will be in the back of all our minds. It's down to us boys to do the job for him."