Ian Blease faces defining recruitment window at Leeds Rhinos - James O'Brien comment
The key to success in any industry is stability and continuity.
Achievement is still possible but life becomes a good deal more difficult without those foundations.
The Rhinos won eight Super League titles with a core of loyal, talented players who put the club's interests above their own.
Key players came and went but they never lost their identity or the traits that made them successful.
The importance of stability and continuity has been magnified since the golden generation broke up.
Inspired by Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow, Leeds enjoyed one more Grand Final success in 2017 but had the look of a club living from one season to the next without a clear long-term vision.
The mood changed with the arrival of Brad Arthur, a hard-nosed coach who swiftly raised standards and accountability.
After claiming their first top-four finish in eight years in Arthur's first full season in charge, the Rhinos look capable of mounting their most serious title challenge since the days of McGuire and Burrow.
But there is a catch. A core group of players who have brought Leeds this far are preparing to leave Headingley at the end of the season.
As many as five players have already decided to move on – all from their top 17 squad numbers – while there is a question mark over Ryan Hall's future.
None will be harder to replace than Brodie Croft, perhaps with the exception of Mikolaj Oledzki at a time when the value of props has never been higher.
The Australian half-back's tryscoring exploits have caught the eye in the early months of this season but his contributions have been largely consistent throughout his time at Headingley.
Even in a disappointing 2024 campaign for Leeds, his tally of 22 assists was bettered only by Mikey Lewis and Lachlan Lam.
Beyond any personal stats is Croft's partnership with Jake Connor. They not only bring the best out of each other but also allow Lachie Miller to thrive.
Whichever way it is dressed up – and some supporters understandably reach for coping mechanisms – losing Croft is another sizeable blow to Leeds' hopes of staying at the top.
Sporting director Ian Blease is taking the brunt of the criticism but the Rhinos have almost found themselves at the centre of a perfect storm.
Three players decided to chase their NRL dream with new franchise Perth Bears, while Croft chose to move closer to his home in the north west.
Cynics will always point to money as the primary motivation but there is often more to transfer deals than meets the eye.
Regardless of the circumstances, Leeds face a defining recruitment window. Get it right and they can build on their progress under Arthur; get it wrong and another reset may follow.
The Rhinos have salary cap space and a pull few Super League clubs can match.
After a couple of years in post, Blease is now at the stage where his work can be properly judged.
His success stories include Connor, Maika Sivo, Keenan Palasia and Cooper Jenkins, while Arthur was undeniably the right appointment at the right time.
But Leeds' 2026 recruitment is open to scrutiny – Jeremiah Mata’utia and Ethan O’Neill have made only four Super League appearances between them – and the club are losing players at an alarming rate, even if there are mitigating circumstances.
Compounding that instability is Arthur's position. He is on a rolling contract and is required to inform Leeds by June 30 whether he intends to stay on for next year.
The Rhinos are not quite in 'now or never' territory but the importance of grasping the opportunity in front of them this season cannot be overstated.
For the first time in years, Leeds have a clear identity and a team capable of winning Super League.
But their longer-term prospects will be shaped by how well they manage this transition.
Over to you, Ian Blease.