Double-chasing Huddersfield will face an acid test of their trophy-winning credentials when they host Wigan in a Stobart Super League table-topping clash at the Galpharm Stadium on Friday night.
The Giants, who beat Wigan on the opening day of the season, are below the leaders only on points difference and, like the Warriors, are also in the last four of the Carnegie Challenge Cup.
But Huddersfield have faltered in the big games in the past and coach Nathan Brown admits the doubts will persist until they break their duck.
"Until we actually get our hands on a trophy with this group of players, negative or pessimistic people will say we're not good enough," he said.
"The reality is that we're a fair bit better team than we have been in the last three years but we have to maintain that.
"I'm very confident in the squad of players we've got. I feel we have a good balance."
A ninth successive victory in all competitions would take Wigan two points clear and, although finishing positions no longer determine the title, coach Shaun Wane is desperate to get his hands on the League Leaders' Shield which eluded them last season.
"It's a good feeling (to be top)," he said. "We're halfway through the season so there's a long way to go and we don't pat ourselves on the back here.
"We've got to keep our head down and keep on working. But top spot means a lot to me because I'm old-fashioned and, when I played, that was the main thing.
"It's not held in high esteem by people now but for me personally it would be great for us to be minor premiers this year.
"Make no bones about it, this is a game we want to win to go two points clear and that is hugely important."
