The underachieving Waratahs have a big hill to climb next Super Rugby season, perhaps made a little steeper by Michael Cheika bullishly targeting a top-two finish for his side.
But NSW players only needed to look over their shoulders on the first day back at training on Wednesday to see that their coach intends to be there with them every step of the way.
Preparing for his second year at the helm, Cheika put his charges through a gruelling Coogee hill-climbing session in 30 degree temperatures, designed to build the mental toughness of a star-studded team gunning for silverware.
And by joining them, along with some of the other Waratahs coaches and staff, it suggests Cheika is quite literally prepared to walk to the walk.
“It’s a good sign that everyone wants to participate. Even if some of us are slower than others,” he said.
“These hills have a significance in the greater way we’re looking to behave at NSW both on the field off the field.
“Hard work and honesty and getting stuck in.
“From a physical point of view, sports scientists would say you can get more out of running on the track, but the mental aspect of saying ‘I want to do this’ … that’s where we’ve got to become stronger next season.”
Cheika refused to back down from his claims that the Waratahs are preparing with the belief they can go all the way next season.
Winning the Super Rugby competition from outside the top two is very difficult, and Cheika is confident he’s got the squad to lead the way in the Australian conference.
He believes he’s stating the obvious by aiming to be the best, but is quick to point out that there are never any guarantees.
“I don’t see it as a big deal because if you’re not playing footy to win it, what are you doing?,” he said.
“I’m not here for a job, I want to win the comp and we’ve got to do whatever we can.
“We’ve got to prepare the best we possibly can to do it. I think that’s what our supporters would want.”