One small step for the Bay of Plenty Steamers, one final leap toward their first NPC title in 48 years, as the blue and gold play Wellington in the 2024 NPC final at Sky Stadium.
A win in the decider will secure this year's squad a special place in the region's rugby folklore, alongside the 1976 NPC champion squad and the 2004 Ranfurly Shield side.
Steamers coach Richard Watt knows about NPC finals as a coach, having been an assistant at Wellington, when they made the 2013 final.
"I've been in enough finals to know that it's not good enough just to make the final; now you've got to win it because people will soon forget that you've just made the final, but if you win it, it goes down in history," Watt told 1XX News.
Watt has reminded his players to soak in the build-up this week.
"I've been telling the boys this week to just enjoy every day and remember the feeling because this is what it's all about, so they get hungry to come back and do it again."
The Bay's success this season has seen crowds flock to games, with a packed house for the side's home quarter-final and semi-final match-ups—something Watt said has inspired the side.
"It's pretty cool just seeing the support we're getting and hundreds of kids lining up and getting their faces painted."
The Steamers side have made no changes from last weekend's semi-final win over Canterbury.
They go up against a familiar foe, having lost to Wellington by five points in extra time in late September.
Watt said their defence has to be "on the money and on song for a team like Wellington."
The Bay side has a mix of experience, led by skipper and veteran hooker Kurt Eklund, who clocked his 50th Steamers game in the quarter-final.
Halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, known as Triple T, reached the milestone last week.
Watt said they have experience in key positions, from Eklund at hooker to Tahuriorangi and first-five Kaleb Trask in the halves, as well as Cole Forbes at fullback.
Watt likes the mix of youth and experience, saying, "We've managed to keep this team together for the past 2-3 years."
Watt said the team is motivated to do something special for the region.
"Just around the region, the colours are starting to pop up everywhere, and they're making a lot of people proud. They're really proud of representing their people."
Watt is thanking fans for all the support this year and is hoping that "we can win this one and celebrate having a title."
Kick-off is from 3:05 pm on Saturday at Sky Stadium.
Photo: Bay Of Plenty Rugby