Right, it's surprisingly playable
Also, it's worth noting that 2. Ne2 (or 2. Nc3 and 3. Nge2) is also one of the best responses to 1. e4 c5 (called the Chameleon System). White can either go for an Open Sicilian or for a 4. g3 closed one (with the fianchettoed bishop being more active than with the knight on f3).