Wigan Warriors v Leeds Rhinos: Brad Arthur urges high-flying side to seize moment
There are no guarantees in a salary-capped competition designed to drag leading clubs back towards the pack.
Windows open briefly before squads are broken up and opportunities disappear.
Competition leaders after 10 rounds and virtually at full strength, the Rhinos may not get a clearer shot at Super League glory than the one now in front of them before a host of key figures move on at the end of the year.
Brad Arthur, who has been forced into his first change in six matches for tonight's trip to Wigan Warriors following Jack Bird's minor knee operation, is determined to ensure the early hard work does not go to waste.
"We need to make the most of the position we're in and the way we do that is by not putting the slippers on and getting comfortable," said the Leeds boss.
"We've had discussions around that. I do understand that luck plays a part in injuries but also you need to work hard and try to put yourself in a position to minimise those injuries.
"The worst thing you can do is start to get comfortable and think you don’t need to do all the detail behind the scenes and all the simple things that put us in this position.
"That's what we’ve really focused on – getting all the simple detail right with our off-field preparation and then that will carry on to the field.
"We've got a real good grip and handle of our team identity and what we stand for each time we pull on that Leeds Rhinos jersey. Now we've just got to make sure we keep putting finer bits of detail to it."
Leeds are averaging 35 points per game in a statement start to the season.
The eight-time Super League champions have a target on their back again – and Arthur would not have it any other way.
"I'm really enjoying that," he said.
"Every team plays their Grand Final against us, which is great. It gets us match-hardened.
"We haven't had an easy game. I know a few of the scorelines might have blown out but we've had to work for them, play a good style of footy and build our game.
"It's nice when the scoreline does blow out but we don't have that expectation and are happy to fight and work hard for the 80 minutes.
"We're just enjoying the winning feeling at the end of every game and the satisfaction you get out of it from the hard work. It doesn't matter how it happens as long as we make it happen."
Leeds' five-match winning streak has coincided with a period of continuity in team selection.
Bird's injury means a first start for Harry Newman since the March defeat at Hull FC, where he recently spent time on loan.
"He doesn’t need to do anything different to what his strengths are," said Arthur.
"He doesn't need to overplay his hand. We just need him to make sure he's nice and busy and brings a heap of energy and urgency around his defence.
"He's had the luxury and benefit of playing for Hull so that worked out for us. It has kept him match-fit and kept the physicality and contact up."
The Rhinos return to action after watching the Challenge Cup semi-finals from afar.
Arthur wants to see that hurt pride reflected on the pitch at the Brick Community Stadium following a productive week away from the spotlight.
"We had a good opportunity last week to get some run-load into them, some work," he said.
"We trained nice and fast on the Wednesday and had a mentality session on Friday, followed by going out together for a bit of a social with the partners.
"Then we had to sit through the disappointment over the weekend of not being part of it. That needs to be fuel for this week."
While Leeds are the fresher team, Wigan head into the game in high spirits after booking their Wembley place with a commanding win over rivals St Helens.
The Warriors have struggled for form in Super League but Arthur recognises their ability to flick a switch and rediscover their edge when it matters.
"I've had a lot of admiration and respect for Wigan ever since I got here," he said.
"Every team at some stage has a little dip in form and they might have had that for a couple of weeks – but you never write off the really good teams and good clubs.
"They've been at the top of it for a long, long time and that's what we are expecting – their best performance. They're probably on the back of their best performance, especially defensively, the other day. They were tough and gritty.
"They're a good club – well run and well coached – and we are preparing to go with our best effort to match their best effort."