Six weeks ago, anyone not wearing black and gold would have laughed at the notion.

But those within the Tigers’ inner sanctum knew 2017 was building to something special.

So special, captain-coach Luke Branighan says anything but a premiership, one that would snap a 42-year title drought, will be a massive disappointment for himself and everyone at the club.

“We’re not satisfied with where we are now. We want to win on Sunday,” Branighan said.

In week one of the semis, the Tigers shocked Group 10 with a win over a Bathurst Panthers side that looked every bit a grand final certainty throughout 2017.

Branighan’s side then backed it up with a fairly lackluster 30-12 loss in the major semi-final a week later before proving the doubters wrong again with last week’s stunning 24-12 preliminary final victory over Panthers at Oberon Sportsground.

The former NRL pivot is confident his Tigers are capable of taking the next step against the green and golds.

“CYMS were too good in the major semi, but in saying that we couldn’t have played worse,” Branighan said.

“We couldn’t have dropped any more football. I can’t see my boys playing that badly again.

“We’re coming up against a very good side that has been there, done that the last seven or eight years.

“If we can play like we did on the weekend, we’ll give our selves a very good chance at the premiership.”

The Tigers were sensational against Panthers last weekend.

Running with a gale at their backs in the first half, Oberon didn’t take full advantage of the wind and went into the sheds at 4-all with Panthers.

Branighan admits he was a touch concerned about not taking full advantage of the “12 or 16 point wind”, but the black and golds held firm in the final 40 minutes to book a grand final spot.

It’s the sort of character Branighan believes can lift the Tigers at Wade Park on Sunday.

“Coming into the club at 35, I’m 36 now, there’s no time to build for anything,” he said.

“I knew I had a side there with plenty of talent ... I was just hoping my experience would be able to help them move up the ladder a bit.

“The plan was always to win a premiership, but in saying that, Panthers and CYMS are very, very good bush football sides. Mudgee is a good side too.

“You can always aim high, but a grand final in the first year is a good achievement, but I’ll be the same as Sully come 4.30(pm) on Sunday. Whoever gets beat will be disappointed on the day.”

Branighan has been rapt with the work of Tigers juniors Dave Sellers and Jackson Brien, while recruits Jake Dawe and Matty Wakefield have long affinities with the Oberon coach.

“But the main thing is we’ve got good people at the club,” Branighan added.

“A fantastic committee. There’s no egos amongst the playing group. There’s a real good feel about the place.

“The hardest thing is getting to the grand final. It’s a one-off game.”