If we were getting flogged by teams then yep, write the season off. But we aren't. If we say the comp is between Souths, Roosters and Melbourne, we have shown enough to against those sides to suggest we have a sniff. Draw with Melbourne, Losses of less than 10 against the other 2.
If, and it is a big if, we can get Lyon, Foran and B Stewart on the park for an extended run, we will be a challenger, along with DCE substantially lifting his game and Glenn continuing to improve week after week.
Moops and co will probably take that as saying I think we will win the comp, but nowhere above has it been said. We are good enough to be a challenger in the right circumstance
Have watched enough comps over the years to know the premier ship is a marathon, have seen plenty of sprinters and middle distance sides look great early on and then die out to nothing. 2011 Dragons were defending Premiers, were smashing the comp enough to have the bookies pay out the minor premiership and then limped into the finals and had a meek exit. Last season the Storm couldn't win the comp after losing 5 straight then didn't lose another game