THIS has to be one of the most exciting times of the year.
In just a few days, we will embark on what promises to be another thrilling Super League season.
It's a time when hopes are at their highest, with all 12 top-flight clubs believing this could be their year.
And I certainly feel this could be the time when we really push on.
I believe we have made steady progress over the three years I have been head coach, and I see no reason why that progress won't continue.
We have recruited well, with our five new players - Shane Elford, Darrell Griffin, Ryan Hudson, Jamahl Lolesi and John Skandalis - all helping to enhance the quality of the squad.
They have all fitted in exceptionally well, and have helped make us even more of a united group. That unity will count for a lot this year.
And this united front is something that could make all the difference in the world against St Helens in our opening game of the season at the Galpharm on Sunday.
We're under no illusions as to the size of the task that faces us.
Saints are a brilliant side and are probably the favourites to win the competition and retain their Super League crown.
But they can be beaten, as we showed against them in this fixture last season.
No-one expected us to win that day - except ourselves, of course - and I'm sure it'll be similar this time around.
We showed that day, however, that if you stay focused for the full 80 minutes and everyone plays to their potential, a victory over the champions can be achieved.
There's no doubt we have the ability to pull it off, and there could be no better stage to do it on than this Sunday.
All eyes will be on us, because it's the only fixture of the weekend, and we intend to do everything we can to make sure Huddersfield Giants make their intentions clear from the start.
We know we can do it!
