The Pirates pulled ahead to a 22-5 point lead in the first half at Stuart Park in Port Macquarie, despite losing a player to a concussion.

The home team and watching crowds had a nail-biting wait as the Vikings clawed back the final score to 29-22 in the second half, just short of a win.

Coach Marc Minor from Port Pirates, said the crowd was entertained right up until the final whistle.

"We had a happy first half, but lost discipline in the second half. We have got a lot to work on," he said.

"That's the first game of the year out of the way and it's a local derby so it was a tough game.

"We were really happy from a club perspective that the reserve grade and the under 18s also had a win, we're really striving to be good across the whole club.

"The entire club has operated well today, everyone has worked hard and that's been great."

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