CAPTAIN Mick Vella says Hull KR go into Saturday's derby much better prepared and focused than for last year's play-offs.

The Robins finished three places lower in the Super League ladder this season, having slipped from fourth in 2009 to seventh.

It means there is no second chance to progress and KR must now win three games to make Old Trafford.

But Vella insists they can still fare better this time around – stating with a derby victory.

"Last year we were all focused on making the top four and not on being at our peak going into the play-offs," he told the Mail.

"This year we have been really clear that we had to improve as the season progressed and produce our best in the play-offs. We have done that, and although we didn't play that well at Crusaders last week, and we were a bit patchy against Wigan, before that we had been in excellent form for some time, so confidence is high."

Vella accepts knockout rugby doesn't come any more intense than a Hull derby at the KC.

And he says players must not allow themselves to be caught up in the emotion and excitement of the occasion.

Despite losing both league clashes with the Black and Whites this season, Vella sees no need to change their approach when going toe-to-toe with the old enemy.

"Our gameplans have been good both times," he said.

"Both contests have been tight with only one score separating the teams, and last time we almost scored in the final minute and then we would have had a kick to win it," he said.

"The key in derbies is to enjoy the experience but not get too carried away and excited as that is when the mistakes and penalties come."

Controversy followed the last clash between the two sides, as FC coach Richard Agar labelled the Robins 'cocky', claiming his own side had been motivated to win having seen both Peter Fox and Clint Newton arrive sporting blond hairstyles.

Despite some suggesting Agar's comments would be a motivating factor for Rovers this time, Vella insists that is not the case.

"That hasn't been discussed at all," he insisted.

"We have kept the focus on preparing for this game and playing well. What was said before was said, but that is in the past and we have all moved on."