[quote="ArthurClues":ral8s531]Seems an illogical concern to me. Would you rather they were as unfit as they were last year? Friendlies don't tell us much, but a feature of Boxing Day was the improved and sustained line speed. Last year we simply were not well conditioned enough to execute Arthur's game plan. If they can take that one aspect into the season proper, they'll be much improved.[/quote:ral8s531] Doesn't seem illogical to me. Leeds have shown time and time again that they are a mentally weak side, so them believing the hype that having a tough pre-season will automatically make them a top side concerns me. Time will tell. I agree that Brad Arthur is exactly what we needed at this point and that a tough pre-season is also needed, it just concerns me when some of the players think that a tough pre-season will parachute them to the top. The London games last season were a prime example of Leeds believing they could just turn up and win. I think a change in their mindset is also needed along with improved fitness, strength, skill etc.

[quote="rugbyleague88":14thqgxp]Doesn't seem illogical to me. Leeds have shown time and time again that they are a mentally weak side, so them believing the hype that having a tough pre-season will automatically make them a top side concerns me. Time will tell. I agree that Brad Arthur is exactly what we needed at this point and that a tough pre-season is also needed, it just concerns me when some of the players think that a tough pre-season will parachute them to the top. The London games last season were a prime example of Leeds believing they could just turn up and win. I think a change in their mindset is also needed along with improved fitness, strength, skill etc.[/quote:14thqgxp] But none of the players have said anything about top 4. The only message I've picked up is an admission that they need to do better, far better. There's been no hint of complacency that I have detected, maybe I've missed something.

I don't think it's been complacency exactly, more of a rabbits-in-the-headlights thing when they've encountered adversity. As Mike Tyson famously pointed out: everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.. It'll be interesting to see whether Arthur can remedy that. Big, big clear out if not I feel.

Like what i've seen from the pre season clips from the coach tbh.. he's delivering several home truths to the players and getting them much much fitter. This can only benefit the players. It may break some (which case get rid longer term) but it could be the making of many.. one of the reasons NRL teams are so good is the fitness and intensity levels they can maintain for match after match... we need some of that.