Leeds Rhinos' Rohan Smith era remains in its infancy but confidence is growing. Why wouldn't it? Back-to-back wins have injected some much-needed positivity at Headingley, with the recent upturn instigating talk of a potential play-off push.
Leeds are only three points off the top six and with 13 rounds remaining, there's more than enough time for the Rhinos to rampage into the top half. But at this stage, it's far too early for anyone associated with the club to get ahead of themselves.
Victories over Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves were matched by eye-catching performances. Some of the rugby the Rhinos have played in their past two outings has been sublime and they've ripped the pair to shreds. But here's the problem, they've beaten Wakefield and Warrington, two of the worst teams in the competition at present.
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Both teams are among the three worst defensive teams in Super League and Leeds played both while they were in dire form. Trinity had lost six on the bounce before losing at Headingley and Warrington had lost four of their last five.
You can only beat what's in front of you, that goes without saying, but Friday's clash will be a much better indication of how far the Rhinos have come under their new head coach.
The Giants boast a mean defence which will be much harder to exploit than has been the case in recent weeks. Only St Helens and Catalans Dragons have better records than Ian Watson's side and they come into the game with form having won their last four league games.
And while Leeds only conceded one try last week, anyone who watched the game will acknowledge that Warrington were not only awful but wasted three clear-cut chances that should have been finished. The Rhinos still have frailties off the ball and on Friday they play a side with the third-best attack in the league.
That said, it is perhaps a good time to play the Giants, who are without Theo Fages, Chris Hill and captain Luke Yates. They have arguably been Huddersfield's best players this year.
Regardless, we'll know much more about Leeds' current state come the final hooter.
