Chev Walker returns to Hull KR this weekend in no doubts as to the importance of the match to the Bulls’ play-off hopes.

After four defeats in their last five Super League outings, albeit to the top four teams, Francis Cummins’ men are desperate to reignite their campaign on Sunday.

Walker, who suffered an horrific leg break when playing for Rovers against Leeds in a 2009 play-off match, admits a vast improvement is needed from last weekend’s thumping defeat to Huddersfield.

“This week is pivotal for us,” said the 30-year-old former Great Britain international.

“We’ve put ourselves in a position where we are clinging to be in the play-offs. We need to put our foot back on the pedal and get back to what we’re good at – and that’s working hard.

“We worked hard on Sunday without being smart at the end of it. I think we lacked a bit of patience against Huddersfield and we were clinging on from the beginning because we went away from the game-plan.

“We need to respect Franny’s call and get back to the plan he gives us.”

Walker, by his own admission, did not perform anywhere near his true capabilities during the 42-6 Magic Weekend loss to the Giants, although he was not the only one.

As he prepares to return to the club he holds in high esteem, the former Leeds man accepts that Sunday’s match has taken on added significance.

Craig Sandercock’s side are just two points below the Bulls as they prepare to cross swords at Craven Park.

“We need to improve and I need to improve,” said Walker, who has operated effectively in the second row and at loose forward this season.

“I’ve been conscious of the Hull KR game for a few weeks. It’s a must-win game and we need the performance more than anything. It’s a big week for us, especially after the Magic Weekend.”

Walker started out at Leeds aged 16 and went on to make 163 appearances for the Rhinos before joining Hull KR in 2007 following a brief stint in rugby union with Bath.

Although his time in East Hull was overshadowed by the leg break he suffered at Headingley, ruling him out for the entire 2010 campaign, he looks back at his time there with fondness.

“It’s a great club, a proper rugby league club, and they were great with me,” said Walker.

“It’s always good to go back there because it was a big part of my life. They were good to me and there will be no better way to mark it by putting in a performance.”

Walker signed a one-year contract extension with the Bulls during the off-season and is in talks over a new deal. He said: “It’s close to being finalised – hopefully it will happen some time soon.”