You would think that Justin Holbrook might be cautious about St Helens’ prospects of ending a traumatic campaign with a trip to Old Trafford.
Asked to sum up his team’s chances after Sunday’s 46-28 win over Catalans, the laconic Aussie was unequivocal.
“Can we have a say in the title race? Definitely,” he said.
“I said that even when we got beat at Leeds a few weeks ago and everyone thought we couldn’t get there.
“It’s a matter of getting wins together and if we continue to keep improving, then I have the confidence within the playing group that we can be contenders.”
At times this year, Saints have looked anything but Grand Final aspirants and club legend Keiron Cunningham was axed as head coach in April.
Yet Holbrook, who quit his job as Sydney Roosters assistant coach in May to succeed Cunningham, has since engineered a steady upturn in form.
The win over Catalans marked a fifth straight home success since Holbrook arrived and a sixth victory in nine games overall during his reign.
Sixth-placed Saints now lie just three points behind fourth-placed Wakefield ahead of the sides' meeting in West Yorkshire on Sunday in the final game of the regular season.
Could Saints claim a top-four finish and reach Old Trafford once again?
You would have your doubts, but only a fool would write off a club who have been crowned champions six times in the summer era.
The shackles appear to have been lifted since Holbrook replaced Cunningham and the half-back partnership of Danny Richardson and Theo Fages is beginning to flourish in the absence of Matty Smith.
With Mark Pervical enjoying a fine campaign in the centres, Alex Walmsley showing why he should be in England’s World Cup squad and the likes of Jonny Lomax, James Roby and Tommy Makinson all proving influential figures, optimism abounds at Saints once again.
Futhermore, Smith should be available again after injury in the Super 8s and marquee signing Ben Barba will also feature upon completion of his lengthy ban.
@Saints1890 forward @engywalmsley goes 50 metres and even throws in a little step
Holbrook said: “Theo Fages is really taking more responsibility and Danny Richardson is still finding his feet but they are playing OK together. Theo is a key part of our team at the moment.
“Matty Smith could be back sooner rather than later. It could be a few weeks. It's (eye injury) improving a lot and he's back training.
“I was a bit critical of Theo not taking opportunities when I first took over but he’s certainly improved in that area.”
Intriguingly, if Saints win at Wakefield on Sunday, they will be just one point behind them heading into the Super 8s.
The fight for a semi-final spot is far from over heading into the split of the leagues next month.
Holbrook said ominously: “We have got some wins together and it's a big game on Sunday against Wakefield now.
“If we can continue to improve then I would certainly back ourselves to make the play-offs. The win over Catalans sets up the Wakefield game nicely.”
