That does not mean it will be easy, of course.
North Otago can complete a spectacular return to elite status if they beat Mid Canterbury in Ashburton today, win a semifinal (potentially at home) next Saturday, and claim their fourth Meads Cup a week later.
That is going to be tough — starting today, as Mid Canterbury have a perfect 35 points from seven straight bonus-point wins, and are clearly the team to beat in the Heartland Championship — but being back in the mix is pleasing for the union after missing out on the playoffs last year.
"Our goal at the start of the year was to win the Meads Cup," North Otago coach Luke Herden said.
"The quality of players that we’ve got in Oamaru is right up there. And for a small community, with six club teams, we do very well.
"This year, the boys have bought into the coaching group, and what we’re wanting to do, and how we want to play. The environment’s good, and the drivers of the team are doing a great job.
"We’re just happy that we’re in with a chance."
The coveted Hanan Shield is also on the line today.
Mid Canterbury, who won back-to-back Meads Cups in 2013-14, have dominated this season with five double-figure wins and a couple of close calls. Former Otago and Waitaki Boys’ halfback Kieran McClea has played a key role in their success.
"They just seem to... trust each other, they work hard for each other, and they’ve got some threats out in the edge channels.
"But I’m not afraid of Mid Canterbury. I think it’ll be a great game. If we put our best foot forward, I think we can win."
The Herden era started with a couple of disappointing losses in which the Old Golds fell to bits in the second half.
That was partly down to fitness and partly down to a new-look team building connections, Herden felt.
They have since peeled off five straight wins, the most recent a gutsy 32-29 victory over the old enemy, South Canterbury.
"That was awesome. That’s the one game, if you had asked me at the start of the year, we wanted to win — South Canterbury at home.
"I think we made it hard on ourselves. We let them back into the game with some errors on our behalf. But to show the resilience and courage to hold on and keep fighting... maybe in previous years South Canterbury would have won that.
"But our boys just keep turning up for each other, which is what they’ve been doing all year."
First five Kenta Iemura has been scratched from today’s game with a knee injury.
That means a rare opportunity to start in the No 10 jersey for Lachie Kingan, the widely respected and talented Maheno club great who has been a regular finisher for the Old Golds this season after a long spell off the representative scene.
"He’s done a job for us all year. I’m stoked for him to get this opportunity, and he won’t let us down."
Versatile speedster Ben McCarthy moves from wing to centre, Posiano Kamoto starts at wing, Ratu Logavatu replaces Anthony Docherty at lock, Abraham Lauaki gets another run at tighthead prop, and Mason James will make his debut off the bench.
A congested points table means anything is possible this weekend.
North Otago could finish as high as second but they could finish as low as sixth and in the Lochore Cup playoffs.
Heartland Championship
Ashburton, 2.05pm
North Otago: Ben Paton, Hopoate Finau, Ben McCarthy, Mataitini Feke, Posiano Kamoto, Lachie Kingan, Kippei Taninaka, Junior Fakatoufifita, Savenaca Rabaka (co-captain), Toni Taufa, Mitch Morton, Ratu Logavatu, Abraham Lauaki, Hayden Tisdall (co-captain), Kelepi Funaki. Reserves: Cameron Rowland, Jake Greenslade, Lisivani Tuifua, Asaeli Ngahe, Anthony Docherty, Seru Cavulaiti, Isaac Clunie, Mason James.
Mid Canterbury: Hugh Cameron, Sam Pearce, Toetu Touli, Fotu Hala, Dave Pio, Tom Reekie, Kieran McClea, Setariki Koroitamana Declan McCormack (co-captain), Manasa Sama, Zak Healy, McGregor Best, Adam Williamson (co-captain), Josh Dunlea, Hunter Stewart. Reserves: Jackson Donlan, Osea Baisagale, Manu Pechkham, Ashton McArthur, Shepherd Mhembere, Semisi Lei, Liam McCormack, Ben Innes.
