Dave Craven: Giant leap of faith in Huddersfield's play-off ambitions

Likewise, those moments an hour or so before kick-off when contemplative players take their first look at the pitch can offer a glimpse of what mood a side might be in.

However, it was way back on Monday when I first started thinking Huddersfield might be about to shake up this year's play-offs.

Call it a hunch, an instinctive feeling or just plain craziness but seeing the relaxed Giants trio of Kevin Brown, Luke Robinson and Shaun Lunt sauntering around Old Trafford made me feel they might just be back there again on October 2.

It was the launch of the play-offs at the Theatre of Dreams and each Super League side was supposed to send its coach and captain while the worthy recipients of a Dream Team shirt were also in attendance.

But Giants chief Nathan Brown was absent due to sickness while captain Bret Hodgson was also a late no-show so the three players were seconded to face the waiting journalists and film crews instead.

It is fair to say they were not pestered as much as some, the likes of Wigan brothers Sam and Joel Tomkins dominating the glare, along with Man of Steel favourite Pat Richards, Warrington's ever-affable Adrian Morley and the equally enthusiastic St Helens' duo of Paul Wellens and James Graham.

Colourful Hull captain Sean Long was understandably cornered for his thoughts on the derby along with Rovers' talisman Michael Dobson, and Leeds's Keith Senior was similarly in demand as they bid to kick-start their season at Wigan.

Huddersfield, along with Crusaders, have been the side few have really clamoured for, almost an after-thought.

Yet that suits them perfectly and, for those who did probe, it was hard to ignore there was an air of quiet confidence radiating from their contingent, something which was undoubtedly missing when they ventured into only their second play-off campaign 12 months ago.

Then they could not escape the spotlight having also reached a rare Challenge Cup final and finished third, their highest Super League placing. Unsurprisingly, they suffered some stage fright.

Having now finished fifth, and subsequently with only one shot in the play-offs, the task for Brown's side could be viewed as tougher than ever but so much has changed. They are a more mature and experienced group now, with greater strength and, importantly, boasting a clean bill of health. Kevin Brown was hobbling around last September but is currently playing better than ever.

The signing of Danny Brough caused initial problems but Brown has certainly found a way of making the most of the talented half-back while their intimidating pack has added class in David Fa'alogo and the emergence of young Larne Patrick as a devastating prop.

With pace and constant threat out wide, Hodgson returning near his Man of Steel form, they are a bullish prospect who will be delighted with a home tie against Crusaders.

They may have to venture to Leeds to progress further but that will not daunt them, especially given their success at Wigan last month and knowing of the Rhinos' recent fragile state.

It would be no surprise to see them emerge in a semi-final at Warrington with Wigan and Hull FC doing battle in the other.

Last year happened all a bit too quickly but this time around, Huddersfield – lurking in the background – have the look of a side ready to deliver regardless of who is or is not watching.