IT is so far, so good for Saints — displaying both sides of their game in two contrasting opening encounters.

Sparkling attacking play in week one was followed up with a gutsy, backs-to-the-wall defensive effort in Perpignan.

Both aspects are needed to win games and pots and to entertain the fans.

It is really pleasing to see that ripple of enthusiastic optimism percolating through the fan base with eager anticipation of what lays in store.

Of course, it is too early to be booking a Wembley coach for the first time since 2008 or reprising Sit Down at the Theatre of Dreams, but the way Saints are playing it gives off more than feelings of blind hope and optimism.

But it is nice to see supporters walking with a spring in their step rather than the pall of gloom that infested the terraces within months of Daniel Anderson leaving these shores and lingered off and on since.

Even when Saints won the Super League title and League Leaders Shield back in 2014, fans were still grumbling and wanting ‘Brown Out’. And I suppose they got their wish....

In rugby league it just goes to show it is not just about how you finish.

If a negative tone sets in early doors it makes everything more difficult as the season wears on - not just on the league table, but in terms of chatter, social media and on the terraces.

There has, to be fair, a mood of positivity running through the club from the moment Justin Holbrook breezed in with Ben Barba on tow.

After the way last year ended you sensed a feeling of unfinished business would motivate this group of players.

But it is too early to start talking about this crop being about to emulate the all-conquering crop of 2006.

Alas one similarity with that year has already reared its head.

Back in 2005/6 supporters and the media seemed to spend the during of Jamie Lyon’s tenure speculating whether he would leave with Ian Millward, not return after year one and whether he would sign an extension.

After he had gone, fans pinched themselves that the Wizard of Aus had actually graced us with his presence.

And so we have it again with Barba.

Rather than spend every single week over the next two years responding to talk in Australia, and asking what Barba’s plans are, it may be better to simply appreciate him while he is here.

Sit back and enjoy and hopefully he too will help deliver trophies to the sideboard, be an inspiration to young players and give supporters happy memories to look back on if and when he does go back to the NRL.