WE fear no one.

That's the message coming out of a Vikings' squad brimming with pre-season confidence and enthusiasm after last week's Super League fixtures were announced.

Frank Endacott's new look squad will be hoping to catch the Super League big guns cold and after a bright start to pre-season training, forward Simon Finnigan can't wait.

"It's going to be a very exciting start to the season," said the 22-year-old, who is coming back from a groin injury.

"It's not hard to get up for the big games and Saints away is definitely a big game.

"The atmosphere in the squad is terrific at the moment and we're making good progress in training.

"Personally, I feel a lot fitter and stronger and you can tell the other boys are as well, and that's credit to the training we have been put through already."

With Endacott, due to arrive next Thursday, conducting things from afar, assistant coach Stuart Spruce and conditioner Mark Knight have overseen pre-season training.

The players, including new arrivals Owen Craigie and Andrew Emelio, have been mixing weight sessions in the gym with stamina-building hill running and even sparring sessions with boxing coach Jack Ryan.

"Frank has said he wants them to do plenty of boxing because it is good for their fitness and teaches big men good footwork which is vital in rugby league," confirmed Andrew Kirchin, the Vikings' media manager.

And despite there not being any new signings on the horizon, Widnes' kiwi coach is confident his men can gel and make an impact next year.

He said: "Like most clubs in our situation we have to work within tight budget and looking at the funds we have available, I don't think we could have done much better.

"With a bit of luck with injuries we will be more than competitive."