At this time of the year most football players can be forgiven for not being totally committed to the cause.
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The temperature has been covering around the mid-thirties, some summer sport commitments remain, and generally it doesn't feel like footy season just yet.
However, motivation is high within the Dubbo CYMS camp.
New captain-coach Jarryn Powyer may still be tweaking things and casting his eye over the entire squad, but commitment is no issue heading into Sunday's Challenge Cup quarter-final clash with Glebe Burwood.
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"I suppose you can take it or leave it sometimes at this time of year but we're happy to embrace this," Fishies stalwart Luke Jenkins said.
"It could be hard to get up for a trial this time of year if there's nothing on the line but there's a trophy on offer here."
Not only is there a trophy on offer, this campaign is all about defending that silverware the Fishies won during a stellar run to the Challenge Cup title this season.
The desire to win is fierce, but there are some aspects of the build-up which are like a trial.
The main one leading into this weekend's knockout game at Apex Oval is Powyer's decision to rotate the team.
Jenkins is one high profile Fishies player who won't take part on Sunday and Jyie Chapman is another while Brad Pickering is unlikely to feature at fullback.
There will be a new look to the side's spine, with Harry Kempston and Tom Yeo to play in the halves while Hamish Astill will start at hooker.
Powyer is determined to see all of the potential first graders and those who have put in the work during pre-season in action, with battle for positions well and truly alive already.
Jenkins knows the effort won't be lacking regardless of what players are wearing the jerseys on Sunday.
The effort and ability to play the full 80 minutes, no matter what time of the year, was evident in last weekend's Challenge Cup opener win over the Cowra Magpies.
"The good thing about our club is we've always been fit," Jenkins said.
"Early games aren't a lot of trouble because we're fit and that was the difference last week. We were way fitter and that got us home."
The match was especially satisfying for Jenkins as it was his first since rupturing his pectoral in round five last season.
"It was good to get back out there. It had been awhile," he said.
"I only got those five or six games in last year so it was good and it was good to get the win first-up."
The win was also the first recorded under Powyer, who took over from the long-serving Tim Ryan after the Fishies were defeated by Forbes in a gripping 2018 Group 11 grand final.
"Obviously it's about winning but it's also about working on a few things he (Powyer) has prioritised," Jenkins said.
"This weekend will be a whole new-look side again. Everyone gets an opportunity and that's good."
Sunday's match is against a side which made the semi-finals of the Ron Massey Cup last season. CYMS had success against Ron Massey Cup opposition last season as it was the Guildford Owls who were crushed in the decider at Apex.
Kick-off is at 2pm on Sunday following matches in three grades of the Western Women's Rugby League competition.