CONFIDENCE is a funny thing. Without it, you're nothing. When you've got it, you feel as though you can take on the world and win.
Fortunately, for David Hodgson and his Hull KR side, the Robins are currently basking in the glow of the latter camp.
Which is probably why a trip to face Catalan Dragons in Toulouse feels a little less daunting than Rovers' annual journey to the south of France.
Okay, so the Robins haven't beaten the French side in their last five meetings. And the last time Rovers' fans celebrated a win at the Dragons was in Perpignan back in September 2011, when they won 28-26.
But after picking up a win over second-placed Huddersfield last time out, Hodgson & Co have got a real spring in their step.
"We played alright against Huddersfield," says the 31-year-old. "There were some good things we can take from that game into this one.
"The Giants are a very good team so the first thing we can take is a lot of confidence.
"Teams have different strike weapons, so we know this will be a totally different game to the Huddersfield one.
"We know Catalan won't be easy, but beating a team at the top end of the table gives us hope.
"If we can do that, we should go well against Catalan. Although France is always a tough place to go and get a win.
"They have been going well in the league but we're not doing too badly ourselves, with a couple of wins, so it should be a good game.
"We go there with a bit of confidence."
Whilst confidence in the camp may be sky high, Rovers don't need reminding that it will take plenty of muscle to bring two points back to Blighty.
Hodgson, who has scored eight tries against the Dragons throughout his career, is determined to do whatever it takes to add to that tally today.
He is joint leading try scorer with Craig Hall on 11 this season and admits he'll be happy to stay off the scoresheet if it means the Robins come away with the win, like they did against Huddersfield last time out when they won 35-28.
And if it means his forwards can get a bit of a breather, the winger is even prepared to carry the ball in more against the big Catalan pack.
"We'll be doing all we can to give our forwards a break," Hodgson told the Mail.
"Hopefully, the weather will be a bit cooler than it normally is in France.
"We know the outside backs have to get in the middle more, especially if it starts to get warm.
"When you get into an arm wrestle, the outside backs seem to get more carries anyway. And we are expecting a big arm wrestle against the Dragons.
"They have big forwards in their pack and they take the team forward really well.
"If we can stop their forwards, it will go a long way to deciding the game."
Containing the Dragons' play-makers is one of the key areas Rovers have identified if they want to gain full marks from their French test.
Last time out, Leon Pryce and Thomas Bosc were in great form as the Dragons beat Hull 30-4.
The win was all the more impressive given the absence of scrum-half Scott Dureau, who Catalan are still waiting to get the all-clear to play due to the after effects of a tumour behind his eye.
But Hodgson admits it doesn't really matter who plays for the Dragons because they will have strike-power all over the pitch.
"They have good half-backs in Leon Pryce, Scott Dureau and Thomas Bosc and we will have to be at the top of our game to beat them," he added.
"But we have quality players in our team too.
"Consistency has been the main thing for us this season, but we are looking alright.
"Hopefully, we can keep that consistency until the end of the season and climb the table more.
"Who knows how far we can go?
"We are just taking things one game at a time.
"Everyone is working hard and things seem to be coming together nicely for us and long may that continue."
Having enjoyed Friday, Saturday and Sunday off last week, Rovers are certainly refreshed ahead of the meeting.
And Hodgson says they have used the time wisely
"Everyone needs a break from time to time and it was good to get the break," he said.
"We wanted to keep playing last weekend, especially when we are in a good spell of form, but it means we have had a longer time to look at this game.
"We've seen what they do well and we have also seen things that they don't do well.
"Hopefully, with the homework we have done, we can get things right on the day and get the win."
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