South Sydney stalwart John Sutton is always reserved, not prone to hyperbole and goes out of his way to avoid attracting attention to himself and his side.
So when he says the Rabbitohs faithful should be excited about 2019, and candidly talks up their NRL premiership ambitions, you get the feeling something special is brewing at Redfern as Wayne Bennett's reign begins.
Sutton was the man of the hour at the Rabbitohs' spiritual home of Redfern Oval on Saturday as 4,111 fans defied the wet weather to pay tribute to the club's most capped player during his testimonial game.
The Panthers spoiled Sutton's party, running out 28-8 winners, however neither side will be reading too much into the result given both only used their stars for between 20 and 40 minutes in the first-half.
They are viewed as $9 contenders for the premiership by the bookies and after a top four finish last year, are expected to do the same this year.
"I think very excited," Sutton said when asked how the club's fans should feel about the side this year.
"We've trained really hard this pre-season, had some things going on.
"But everyone has just gotten on with their job, everyone is just looking forward to playing.
"We didn't start off the best (against the Panthers) but that second 20 showed what sort of footy we can play. It should get everyone excited."
Sutton doesn't hide the fact he wants another premiership before he hangs up his boots - whenever that might be.
He will be 35 later this year and has signed a one-year deal, however hasn't ruled out playing on in 2020.
Having lifted the trophy in 2014 - breaking the club's 43-year drought - he wants to climb that mountain again.
In previous years, under the likes of the notoriously conservative Michael Maguire and Anthony Seibold, the club has done its utmost to shy away from title talk.
But Sutton is prepared to say the club has a big chance in front of it this year.
"The reality is every team wants to win the comp," he said.
"There's so many things along the way that you have to do right to get there. Even though we lost (to Penrith), we're in good stead to start the season."
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