Michael Duignan says he fully expects Cork to keep up their good start and try to defend their Allianz Hurling League title.
There were of plenty of unknowns for followers of the Rebels heading into 2026.
How the squad was going to react to last year's All-Ireland final collapse, coupled with a change of management, and the retirement of Patrick Horgan led to expectations in some quarters of Cork being experimental this spring.
But they've hit the ground running in the new season, with a 100% record after three games.
Another win or two would likely send them to the Division 1A final on the first weekend of April, leaving Ben O'Connor's side two weeks to prepare for a trip to Tipp, and a repeat of that harrowing Liam MacCarthy match, on 19 April in Thurles.
That said, with six points they're safe in the top flight, so the experimentation might ramp up from here on out.
But Duignan, speaking on the RTÉ GAA Podcast, said he isn't expecting a let up from the Munster champions.
"I think they'll drive on, I don't think you can think like that," said the two-time All-Ireland winner.
"It is a tricky one, there's no doubt about it. When we look back in the crystal ball, that we don't have now, come the summer, you can say it was a good thing or a bad thing.
"We saw Kilkenny when they were going really well in the past, they won plenty of leagues. You saw Limerick, very competitive in most of them."
The Rebels' clash with the Cats is one of hurling's great showdowns.
The two most successful counties in the game, with more provincial crowns than any anyone else, the fixture has plenty of history attached to it.
While Derek Lyng's side arguably have more to play for, with the change to move themselves to six points with home win on Sunday, Duignan reckons Cork manager O'Connor is unlikely to take a backwards step.
"Ben O'Connor is in his first year. He's been obviously very bullish in his interviews about loads of different things.
"You might agree with some and disagree with others, but he's not afraid to give his opinion. I think he's laid down the marker so I don't think he can just back off now.
"I'd expect Cork to drive on and try to make a league final."
Listen to the RTÉ GAA Podcast on the RTÉ Radio Player, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Watch Allianz League Sunday from 9.35pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on all matches on the RTÉ News App and on rte.ie/sport. Listen to Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
