With three wins from three games in the Championship, Barrow Raiders are riding high.
The pundits had them down for a quick return to League One after winning the title last season.
But the way they have seen off Sheffield, Whitehaven and Newcastle suggests they have enough to avoid that indignity.
The first big test comes on Sunday when they visit Bradford Bulls but record-breaking winger Tee Ritson believes the team is ready for the challenge.
Ritson, previously with Workington and Newcastle, says he and his Barrow team-mates will continue to play without fear as they look to extend their winning start.
Sunday’s opponents Bradford have won just one of their opening three matches but have already faced Leigh Centurions, one of the off-season favourites for promotion.
Ritson believes a trip to Odsal is something that he and his team-mates should look to take in their stride following an impressive return to the Championship.
He told the club website: “It’s obviously the perfect start to the season. We looked at the first three fixtures before we got started, and we targeted them as we’re going to go three from three, all winnable fixtures.
“The conditions have been awful but I think we’ve played them really well up to now. Credit to all the lads, I can’t fault their effort.
“There’s a good buzz around the club at the minute. I think this year that everyone’s bought into what we’re about. It’s a really exciting time to be involved in the club and we’re always looking to push on further.
“We’re looking at the fixture this week and it’s winnable. I don’t think that there’s anything to be feared about Bradford.
“Sheffield went there and got a result, so there is no reason why we can’t do that as well.
“We are building up some momentum, but every week is a tough one, so we’ve got to be on it. If we do that against Bradford, I don’t think there is any reason as to why we can’t come away with a win.”
Ritson, last season’s joint-top try-scorer in Betfred League 1, has scored two tries in his opening three matches.
He is confident that an off-season challenge set by head coach Paul Crarey has put him in good stead to meet the physical needs of the Championship.
Furthermore, Ritson insists that the intensity of playing the bigger sides in the division is something to be excited by.
“It’s still early doors; we’re only three games in and the conditions haven’t been a good indicator as to how much [the off-season conditioning] has helped me, but in training and in the previous three games I feel a lot stronger in collisions and tackles,” he admitted.
“I still feel like I’ve got my pace; I haven’t lost any of it! Paul set me a target to put on at least five kilos during pre-season, and I went on a diet plan and a training programme and I ended up putting eight kilos on.
“I have been working really hard to try and better myself for this season to help against these big teams.
“I’m relishing it at the minute. Obviously it is a huge step-up; all the opposition players are a lot bigger and faster and the teams are smarter.
“We’ve just got to be on it and I think we are at the minute and everyone’s enjoying the challenge.
“So far it’s been really good rubbing shoulders with these guys in the Championship and it’s exciting to get further into the season.”
