The team was supposedly rebuilding after a lean year. But the Eels have blown their cover by starting the season with three consecutive wins, although there was a wee hiccup last weekend.
Taieri had to settle for a draw against Harbour in bleak conditions at Watson Park. But overall the Eels have been in good form and will be back at their beloved Peter Johnstone Park tomorrow for a top-of-the-table match against University.
University has started the season with five consecutive wins, so the game shapes as the match of the round. The Paul Sapsford Memorial is also at stake.
``Hopefully, we have a better day than we did last week, for a starter,'' Young said.
``But we've got really good talent right across the board''.
``The last couple of years we've had a reasonably good colts side and those boys are starting to come through. I guess we have a good sprinkling of youth and experience and our experienced players are in key positions.''
Taieri will be bolstered this weekend with the expected return of first five-eighth Josh Casey. He picked up a groin strain while warming up for the match against Southern two weeks ago.
Casey was an influential figure during Taieri's successful campaign in 2014 and his combination with halfback Kurt Hammer is an area of strength.
Lock Josh Larsen has also made a difference. He has returned this year after a two-year absence and has support from a classy loose forward unit of Brodie Hume, Josh Brown and Nick Henderson.
Out wide, Mitchell Scott remains a threat and Matt Whaanga is a powerful presence in the midfield.
``One thing I was not happy with last week was our skill execution - it slipped a wee bit,'' Young said.
``That is an area we need to address and get better at. If we make mistakes they will capitalise and use width to create opportunities that way.''
He has been pleased with Taieri's set pieces for the most part and that is probably where the Eels will look to press University.
Young felt University would perhaps run a few plays off its lineout but would otherwise look to spread the ball and probe for opportunities out wide.
``Unless there has been a change to their style, they don't like to put too many in the ruck. They work from turnover ball and then get it to the edge. But we are well aware of that.''
The other three games shape as tight encounters as well. Kaikorai is at home against Southern, Green Island hosts Harbour and Alhambra-Union is looking to back up from its first win this season with victory against Zingari-Richmond at the North Ground.