Lachlan Coote always had a pretty good feeling about North Queensland's NRL chances this year.
But not in his wildest dreams could he have envisaged the way the season has panned out for the Cowboys, who are equal-favourites to win the premiership at the halfway point of the competition.
As the Cowboys take a well-earned rest this week with the bye, Coote says the team's stunning form - and their 10-match unbeaten run - has taken just about everyone in Townsville by surprise.
"I knew we had a plan... we knew that if we stuck to our structures and stuff like that and listened to (coach) Paul Green, that we could come up with the wins," Coote said.
"But (I) never predicted 10 in a row."
The challenge now is keeping their feet firmly on the ground.
If the last few weeks is any indication, in which the Cowboys have found new and inventive ways to pull themselves out of tight situations and keep their winning streak rolling, that should be no problem.
With six of their next seven games against teams currently outside the top eight - starting next weekend against Canberra - Green's men are about as well placed as they could hope to be.
"Greeny spoke to us about taking each game as it comes," Coote said.
"Preparation is what it all comes down to.
"We've got the week off now, we're going to take it easy and the next game's Canberra.
"We're not thinking about 11 in a row or whatever it is."
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