That winning feeling has found its way out to Kurri Kurri Bulldogs territory during the past month.
The Bulldogs have enjoyed three wins from as many matches for one of their most successful starts to a Newcastle Rugby League season in recent memory.
But new player-coach George Ndaira was not getting too carried away with the Bulldogs early success in 2012.
“There is a pretty good buzz around at the moment but there hasn’t been too much said about it yet because we know we can play better,” Ndaira said.
“At this point in time we are focused on ourselves and looking to improve each week; the results will look after themselves.
“It is only early in the season and we can’t afford to get too far ahead of ourselves because that will be the end of us.”
And there are no such exceptions for Ndaira despite the fact that Saturday’s opponents Lakes United are languishing at the bottom of the competition ladder without a solitary point next to their name.
“It is just the way the competition is at the moment,” the former NRL player and Lebanese representative said.
“Every week you play is a tough game.
“I mean, Lakes are a good side, but they just haven’t put it together yet and the last thing we want to do is take them easy and they turn it around and put 40 on us.”
Ndaira, who took over the reins as mentor from Todd Polglase this season, said he had been most impressed with the Bulldogs forward pack in their winning encounters against Central Newcastle (38-4), two-time defending premiers the Maitland Pickers (16-12) and South Newcastle (24-23).
“Our forwards are doing really well,” he said.
“[Second rower] Reegan Tanner had a year off but he has come back and hasn’t missed a beat while [prop] Jesse Royal and [hooker] Ben Wyborn give us a lot of quality.”
The surprise packet for Ndaira has been Bulldogs centre Simon Craig.
“He [Wyborn] has done really well and every opportunity he has got he has taken,” Ndaira said.
Kick off is 3pm on Saturday at Kurri Sportsground.
The Maitland Pickers play at the same time the following day away to the Port Stephens Sharks.