I can't help it. I have to succumb to my rugbyhead tendencies and admit that I've embraced the start of the NPC like it's the silly season.
I've been to pre-season games, I read up on what the coaches, players and reporters say about the Manawatu Turbos and the teams they are facing.
I worry like many provincial supporters around New Zealand whether "our" team is going to make the cut (or should I say avoid the cut?) in the new 10-team premier division.
One thing this threat from the NZRU has done is increase my passion for supporting provincial rugby and I'm loving it.
I'm almost tempted to get out there and buy a green bucket to fashion my own piece of headgear.
The first round of NPC games was a case of David beating Goliath in many of the opening battles.
The Turbos started off with a hiss and a roar and kept supporters guessing right until the end of their game against Counties-Manukau.
I also happened to be in Mooloo/chainsaw country for the second game against Waikato.
On my left were Mum and Dad screaming support for their Waikato lads, and there I was, a lone green supporter in a sea of black, red and yellow.
When did I turn into one of those spectators who follows their team around? Since I retired as a player and took a year off coaching while remaining in a relationship with a rugby-mad partner and rugby-mad parents, that's when.
I haven't managed to go one weekend cold turkey from watching any rugby yet, but the type of rugby I'm interested in watching is changing.
The dismal display the All Blacks have put on lately with Minties moments galore, lots of kicking from the Springboks, and the whiney Australian commentators have put me off test matches.
But for provincial rugby, my passion has been re-ignited. Suddenly the All Blacks (present and recent) are no longer untouchable.
They talk of being angry that they are not guaranteed a spot back in their respective NPC teams or they mention feeling less confident as players.
Boy, there are some major issues in that All Black camp and a lot of it has to do with the top two inches.
Jamie Joseph is a brave man saying that he'd rather stick with his young pride and for that stake-in-the-ground statement he should be commended.
The second round of NPC games has proven less of a fairytale for the smaller unions but there is still a lot of talent on show.
I enjoy seeing the diversity of body shapes, the six-feet-tall and bulletproof attitudes of the younger players pitted against the experienced players who have been there and done that in rugby.
Everything, however, seems to be under a pressure cooker situation.
The NZRU is insisting people support the All Blacks by buying tickets to test matches, and Manawatu Rugby Union chairman Tony Murphy has also pleaded with the community to support the Turbos in their five remaining home games.
Since when has rugby become a charity event? If the product is good, and the package deal entertaining and exhilarating, then they will come.
If the All Blacks could catch the ball, kick the ball, and pass the ball and string a couple of phases together in an innovative and effective way, then New Zealanders will not hesitate to spend their leisure dollar in favour of the boys in black.
If Manawatu can play exciting and skilful rugby, and refreshing players like Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith and Nick Crosswell can show they are "green, mean fighting machines" and play competitively, the bucketheads will have to turn away new recruits and plan more elaborate initiation ceremonies to keep their numbers down.
It has taken a pressure situation like the threat of demotion to get teams performing above and beyond our expectations.
While the season is fresh and the Turbos are yet to disappoint on a regular basis (like the All Blacks seem to do lately), I'm going to enjoy the anticipation and thrill of supporting my local team, local players and local product.
