Manly players believe they are in a better position now for a title tilt than when they finished in the top four in 2021, banking on their winning record against their fellow finalists.
The Sea Eagles have snuck into favouritism for Sunday's elimination final against Canterbury, but must defy history to go on a run from outside the top four.
Finalists for the first time since 2021, Manly were one of the stories of that season with Tom Trbojevic firing and the team the epitome of the NRL's points-scoring spree.
But there is a belief at Brookvale they are a more complete package three years on.
The Sea Eagles finished fourth in that 2021 competition, but did not beat any of the three teams above them at all that season.
Their finals series followed suit, as they were beaten by the minor premiers Melbourne and third-placed South Sydney to be bundled out in the preliminary final.
This season, the story is very different, with the Sea Eagles having beaten every other top-eight side except Cronulla.
It's a point Manly players have continually had driven into them in recent days, with coaching staff and senior players desperate to remind them.
"It shows we've got it in us to beat the top teams," prop Taniela Paseka said.
"We definitely feel like we've come a long way (from 2021) and built a package now with the team.
"It's definitely the best chance we've had with this group. We have more of a chance to do better this year."
Consistency still remains the issue for Manly, and the need to produce for weeks on end.
They are yet to win three games in a row this season, with week-on-week physicality in the middle often proving the issue.
But still, it is the wins the Sea Eagles have enjoyed that players have been directed to this week.
"Knowing that we've beat six of the seven other teams in this finals series, we have to be confident in ourselves," captain Daly Cherry-Evans said.
"That's the part we have to lean into.
"While there has been a level of inconsistency to it, it has been enough to get here and beat some of the other teams in this competition.
"We've got to be confident in ourselves, and it starts this weekend on Sunday."
Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic added: "You'd like to think we're a better team now.
"Obviously being in the four in 2021 definitely helped us.
"But it helps knowing we can beat those sides. We've just got to find a way to be consistent for the next four weeks."
EACH TEAM'S 2024 RECORD AGAINST FELLOW FINALISTS
North Queensland: 7-3
Manly: 6-3
Cronulla: 6-3
Penrith: 7-4
Melbourne: 6-4
Canterbury 4-7
Sydney Roosters 3-7
Newcastle: 1-9
