Tough times don't last, tough people do. It's a phrase we've used before in this column and one that applies very much to the Knights at this moment in time.

Three defeats and some tough games on the horizon has posed a number of questions about us.

So in relation to the Knights, what makes a tough player? One who gives the penalties away for the high shots or one who can bash an opponent when we're winning?

I'd say a tough player is a player who can do the right thing at the right time under pressure.

Over the last three games, we have not had tough players. Over the course of the season, I believe we have and this to me tells me that it won't be long before this bunch of players put things right.

We have talked about mental strength and not being prepared to use the ready-made excuses.

True, we've had a lot of football, and the extras have included some tough games. Sure, there have been improvements in some of the teams in the competitions and, without doubt, we've had to contend with injuries but everyone has. Players suffer dips in form.

We're just over the halfway stage and there will be plenty more twists and turns.

What we have to do is make sure we keep working hard and stay mentally strong. It is our biggest test so far this season, and we feel that as a group we've neglected or taken for granted some of the little things or basics about our game. The week off has been cancelled and these basics will be returning to the training field, and even the blackboard, over the coming week.

No-one will give us a lift out, apart from, maybe, the fans. We have to dig ourselves out and I can assure you it won't be through lack of effort if we don't.

After suffering three defeats, it has been interesting to read the after-match comments of the opposing coaches, who have all praised their sides' "best display of the season". But that, again, is a challenge and not something we can hide behind. If we want to achieve this year, we cannot look for excuses.

This weekend sees the final of the Arriva Trains Cup at Spotland, Rochdale. Leigh Centurions take on Hull Kingston Rovers - both teams who we drew in the semi-final stages.

Hull KR made the final in its guise of the Buddies Cup two seasons ago, while Leigh went down to Salford in last year's final. Leigh made light work of Rovers in Hull a couple of weeks ago and, after drubbing Featherstone last week, will be in confident mood.

Rovers are on the back of a good win but consistency has been a worry. It is hard to look beyond Leigh for the final and to top the National League at the year's end.

Iestyn Harris made his rugby league comeback for Bradford Bulls in a tough encounter against Wakefield. While the legal wrangle of lawsuits and counter lawsuits will no doubt rumble on, it was good to see the player out on the field.

While Harris obviously attracted the media coverage, the young man who stepped into his boots at Headingley gave another scintillating display.

The million dollar question for Leeds coach Tony Smith would be would he replace Danny McGuire - or Richard Mathers for that matter - for Iestyn Harris? Draw your own conclusions.

Updated: 10:17 Wednesday, July 14, 2004