Now is the time for Huddersfield Giants to swap being contenders for the tag of winners.
While putting the League Leaders Shield in the trophy cabinet last year was a great achievement, this year needs to be an even bigger deal.
Put simply, if the Giants fans don’t have to break open their piggy banks to buy tickets for Wembley or Old Trafford – or both – then you would have to feel the campaign will have been a disappointing one.
Certainly the signs were already promising with a squad that has again been strengthened for the 2014 Super League season before the tacit evidence was provided with the 24-8 win at reigning champions Wigan Warrior s.
The control showed by head coach Paul Anderson’s team was the most impressive facet of the game – the Giants genuinely never looked in trouble.
And when it comes to the Super League season the opening game also suggested that Wigan’s protestations that they would not be weakened this season looked off the mark.
The loss of the mercurial Sam Tomkins, Samoan powerhouse Harrison Hansen, points machine Pat Richards and Lee Mossop, who Giants fans know is a class act from his short loan spell in Yorkshire, is going to be hard to cope with.
So the champions may struggle to retain their title and no doubt hungry to take it away from them are the team they beat in Manchester back in October.
Warrington Wolves have grown in stature in a similar manner to the Giants over recent seasons but, under the guidance of former Huddersfield coach Tony Smith, have always been just one step ahead of the Claret and Golds.
The Wolves remain a major obstacle to the Giants, but over recent seasons Huddersfield have steadily started consigning their inferiority complexes to the bin.
Once upon a time it was Bradford Bulls, then Leeds Rhinos, Wigan and St Helens , who seemed to give the Giants the yips – but now seemingly only the Wolves remain to be conquered.
And that could essentially turn out to be the story of the season in Super League, though others will think differently.
Leeds, despite their ageing squad, have reason to believe and St Helens cannot be as handicapped by injuries as they were last term.
Others face battles at the bottom end of the equation as the likes of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, London Broncos and Bradford all face a battle to be competitive during the season in the face of stricken budgets.
The likes of Castleford Tigers and the FC and KR versions of Hull will hope good starts can give them something to play for in the top eight and Catalan Dragons will make their own way on the back of how good they are on home turf.
Perhaps the major conundrum of this season’s competition will be the newly-named Salford Red Devils.
Owner Dr Marwan Koukash has set some high targets for his club and has been ready to put his money where his mouth is when it has come to recruitment.
Just how quickly the Reds gel could well hold the key to whether they can make a push for the top four place their benefactor would probably regard as a reasonable return for his investment.
Sadly, throwing money at a situation does not guarantee instant results as followers of Greater Manchester neighbours Manchester City will attest to – while supporters of QPR can regale them with the stuff of nightmares.
Which leaves Widnes who, because I haven’t a clue how they will do, I will tip to be the surprise package for the season – for a week or two at least!
