North Queensland have laid the foundation to go on a winning run to the grand final from outside the top four like they famously did in 2017.
That is the view of veteran winger Kyle Feldt ahead of Saturday night's home elimination final against Newcastle.
In 2017, the Cowboys were getting ready for Mad Monday when a shock loss by St George Illawarra to Canterbury on the last day of the round opened up the door for them to finish eighth. They won three away games in Sydney to move through to the grand final, only to be beaten by a hot Melbourne Storm outfit.
It is why 32-year-old Feldt, set to play his 16th final, is not daunted by what is ahead.
"We have a very similar mentality to that 2017 group where nobody has really given us a chance," Feldt told AAP.
"People have said we are just making up the numbers but we know as a playing group we are capable of going all the way. We have shown that previously this year.
"Our mentality the last couple of weeks has been a good shift moving into the finals series."
The Cowboys will be on the road for the rest of the finals if they beat the Knights but they have won their past five games in Sydney, including key victories over Sydney Roosters, Penrith and Canterbury.
"We had to a bit of work during the year to get where we are now and we wanted to focus on our away record," Feldt said.
"A lot of people write us off when we leave Townsville but this has been probably the best we have played outside of Queensland."
Feldt will forever be remembered for his 80th minute try in the 2015 grand final that took the match into extra time, where the Cowboys secured a 17-16 win over Brisbane.
"The 2015 title was nearly 10 years ago so it would be great to add another one to our trophy cabinet and it would probably be sweeter being my last year at the Cowboys," he said.
"I'm a bit older and a bit wiser and I think I'd take it in better too. I was only 23 when I won the first one so it would be a bit sweeter.
"I have got two young kids now who would be able to remember it and I could celebrate with them as well."
Feldt, who has scored a club record 150 tries, will join Catalans in 2025 on a two-year deal. He wanted to stay at the Cowboys but is now at peace with his move.
"I always knew I would be here this year and I was hoping in the years after but things didn't pan out the way I had seen them," he said.
"They have panned out now which is great. This year has been more fun to be honest. I come through these doors for training and as soon as I walk away I focus on my family. The best thing I have been able to do is juggle family and work life."
