For some players there is more than a Galbraith Shield title at stake during the next fortnight.
Southland's premier club rugby competition has reached knockout time.
The two semifinals will be played at Rugby Park in Invercargill tomorrow.
In the first fixture, Marist and Blues will square-off at 1.15pm. Woodlands and Pirates-Old Boys will then go head-to-head in the other semifinal.
The following week, the two winners will attempt to get their hands on the prized Galbraith Shield.
On paper, little separates the four remaining teams.
However, Woodlands possesses a wealth of experience, and has momentum on its side regarding recent results.
Among all the club passion will be three interested spectators: Dave Hewett, Jason Kawau and Dale McLeod - the Stags coaching trio.
Hewett said the 2018 Stags squad was largely sorted, barring a few spots, and club form could play a factor in determining the final positions.
"We've got a few spots to fill and these next two weeks are important, the semifinals and finals, because some of the guys, the local talent, we want to see perform under a bit more pressure.
"It will give us a pretty good indication as to if we think they are ready to be dropped into that next level."
The new Stags coach said it was a fine balancing act mixing the desire to give good local players an opportunity with the need to possibly fill gaps from outside the province.
"It might be those players are not playing week in, week out, but are in the squad and seeing how it is managed and coached. And also the exposure to performances which [are] at a much higher intensity.
"It is a big ask for a young player, or a new player. What we want to do as much as possible, is expose people to it but not ask them to start every game."
The fact a few spots are still
to be filled sets up some intriguing battles in tomorrow's semifinals.
One propping contract looks to be open and Marist's Reuben Northover and Blues youngster Ethan de Groot are two options.
Outside back is another area where there still might be an opportunity for a player to state his case.
New Zealand Rugby's official assembly date for Mitre 10 Cup squads is Thursday, but the Stags will gather together next Monday, following the completion of the club season.
The Stags build-up will include a week-long camp in Queenstown, and three preseason fixtures against North Otago, Otago, and Northland.
- Logan Savory