Brad Arthur keeps Leeds Rhinos focused on standards amid League Leaders' Shield push

The legendary pair went on to enjoy fairytale finishes in the Grand Final but the trophies have dried up for Leeds since that famous treble.

Now, 11 years on, the Rhinos have the chance to end that long wait and bring the League Leaders' Shield back to Headingley.

While the biggest prize is handed out at Old Trafford, lifting the Shield would be the clearest evidence yet that Leeds have become the reliable, consistent team Brad Arthur has demanded.

Arthur, though, insists the focus remains on process rather than prizes.

Asked what a win over Hull KR would say about the leaders' title credentials, Arthur replied: "It would put more pressure on us to win next week in the Magic round.

"You've just got to keep chalking up the results at this of the year and worry about that a bit closer.

"It's an important game. We can't hide from that. I'd much rather be sitting where we're sitting than 10 points less.

"We've worked hard to put ourselves in a good position. We should be proud of it and should have the desire to stay there.

"It (the game) is significant but we haven't talked about it as a team; we're talking about how our game looks. If we keep chasing that part of it, the scoreboard and the wins will take care of themselves.

"Being reliable is our biggest motivation."

Arthur has hammered home that message to good effect.

Leeds' consistency is reflected in their position at the top of Super League with 12 wins from 15 games.

This week offers the chance to complete the double over Rovers and move six points clear of the defending champions.

But for Arthur, the table is a by-product of the standards he is trying to instil.

"What we've got to be careful of is not to get too far ahead of ourselves and look too far forward," added the Australian, who confirmed Tom Holroyd’s return following an injury lay-off.

"We know exactly where we sit and that we're the ones being chased but we've had a focus every week about being ultra reliable.

"With the team that we have, if we get our execution right, that should be good enough most weeks if you become reliable with how you turn up and play.

"Some weeks it might not be good enough and the other team might be too good for you. We have to live with that.

"The focus for us is not so much about the position we're sitting in and the opportunities that could come from it; it's the opportunity to be known as a reliable team and for the opposition to know what to expect every week.

"The biggest one is that our family, friends and fans know exactly what to expect from this team when they take the field. That's the thing I want to hang my hat on and be proud of."

That connection with supporters will carry added significance on Friday as Leeds come together for the MND Awareness Game in tribute to the late, great Rob Burrow.

Arthur has stressed that the Rhinos must honour Burrow through their actions rather than sentiment alone.

"There's going to be a fair bit of emotion," he said. "But you can't win games on emotion.

"We're very respectful about what this round is about. We had a bit of a conversation about it on Monday and a little presentation for the guys who didn't know Rob – some highlights of his game and different things that past players and coaches have said about him. We know what we're playing for.

"Rob was a very, very brave man and so were his family to go through what they went through. Our performance needs to be nice and brave. We need to be a reflection of Rob on Friday.

"We know the importance of it. We need to turn that into what it looks like with our football actions."