But he shouldn’t have worried as last year’s premiers continued on their successful ways with a comfortable 36-19 victory over Southern Cross University Marlins.

The Vikings led 24-0 into the second half before the Marlins opened their account.

Two tries to Nathan Swift and one each to Ashley Grieve, Dave Kearsey, Tom Woods and Bryce Claes ensured the Vikings picked up where they left off last year.

“First game of the year you can have as many expectations as you want, but they don’t always play out the way you want them to,” Howard said.

“The scoreboard was in our favour and that’s the only thing we were worried about this week.”

Howard admitted his team took a while to warm into their work, but once they did they showed glimpses of why they have completed a premiership trifecta.

“Credit to uni because the first 15-20 minute period was a real arm wrestle and at times I thought they were probably winning that arm wrestle,” he said.

“But credit to our boys, we hung in there and got to some of our structure work that we’re best at and it paid off.”

The Vikings unearthed some talented youngsters in Kye Alpin and Grieve who made their first grade debuts and looked every bit the first grader.

It was what pleased Howard the most.

“We had five guys making their first grade debuts, so it was a good effort from them,” he said.

“I thought Ashley Grieve in the second row, fresh from under-18s last year was outstanding and Kye Alpin was as well.

“It’s a big job throwing these kids up there (into first grade), but they did the job well for us.”

It showed the Vikings junior systems were working.

“It’s pleasing from a club standpoint to see these junior kids coming up and playing grade footy,” Howard said.

“And not just playing, but showing they are first grade footballers.”

Hastings Valley’s stop-start season continues with a two-week break before they clash with cross-town rivals Port Pirates.

But 10 of the Vikings will represent Mid North Coast at next weekend’s Country Championships.

“We were definitely a bit underdone for sure coming into this game,” Howard said.

“We didn’t get trials or training sessions in in the last four weeks, and even though it’s a short season we’ve got another two week break until our next game.

“It’s not ideal, but those blokes will get the extra fitness that they need next week and hopefully they don’t come back injured.”