The challenge now for Hamish McCormack and Gil Hopley is to steer the Vikings to another premiership as co-coaches.

McCormack and Hopley will have their first crack at a coaching gig in 2020 as they take the reins from Andrew Kable who led the club to yet another grand final success in 2019.

On the surface it looks like a dream job as they take over one of the most successful clubs in Mid North Coast Rugby Union history.

But they are more than aware that with expectation comes pressure.

"No one wants to come in and be the people that weren't successful or (who weren't) thereabouts come the end of the year," McCormack said.

"I think that's what's built into most people that are playing at the moment; we aim and strive to be there come the end of the year."

With the Vikings set to sail into their 25^th year the opportunity arose to be involved with a different role and McCormack welcomed the challenge.

"Things might be happening in the next few years where you won't be around to do it or you mightn't have the time to do it," he said.

"It's also a big year for us as well and we have the new clubhouse so I thought I should get in while I can."

Hopley didn't need to be asked twice when McCormack asked him to lend a hand.

"This is my first crack at coaching," Hopley said.

"It's good to put a bit back into the club and when Hamish approached me to co-coach I thought it's a good time to do it."

Players like Andrew West and Glen Littler have stepped aside, giving opportunities to some of the Vikings new brigade.

Jonty Smith and Isaac Post have put their best feet forward during pre-season training while other players such as Dan Willoughby can fill any role in the backline.

Hopley said a winning culture was part of the reason why they continued to set the bar at a consistently high level year after year.

"As a club we don't like losing and we aim to win every game we can," he said.

"If you drop one game early in the season that could mean you miss out on hosting a semi-final so that's a big goal for us to win every game we possibly can."

The Vikings start their 2020 campaign on March 28 with a clash against Port Macquarie Pirates across town at Stuart Park.

Their first game at Oxley Oval is scheduled for April 18.

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