Six weeks ago some Northlanders would have scoffed at the Taniwha goal of making the semifinals of the ITM Cup's Championship division.
Now, Northland have the chance of not only making the semis but also securing home advantage.
With three rounds remaining, Northland need to win their next two games to at least secure a semifinal spot - or at very least win one and pick up bonus points from the others. While hosting a semi is the outsider, it is still a possibility.
For Toll Stadium to be required, Northland would need Hawke's Bay to lose the Ranfurly Shield to Wellington next week, with the Taniwha winning all their remaining games.
Coupled with a Wellington win, Northland would need Manawatu to trip up against Waikato this week and against Hawke's Bay the following week.