NEW Blackburn Hawks boss Daniel MacKriel admits his ‘invincibles’ are there to be shot at this season.

But, even though he doubts they can go another NIHL Moralee Conference campaign without defeat, MacKriel is setting his sights on a second straight dream double success.

The Hawks stormed to league and play-off glory last season, winning 23 and drawing three of their 26 matches.

MacKriel, who has taken over the reins from Jared Owen, believes he has assembled an exciting squad capable of challenging for both prizes again in 2015-16.

But he has warned the competition is going to be stronger than ever.

And the fixtures planners have certainly handed the Hawks the toughest possible start.

They head to Billingham Stars on Sunday (6.30pm), who they beat 6-3 in last season’s play-off final.

“It’s an exciting time,” said MacKriel, who is being assisted by Daniel Brittle. “We have had a lot of changes to do in the summer, with a number of new signings, but the lads have gelled together and now we’re really looking forward to what will be a tough opening game.

“They finished second behind us in the league last year and we beat them in the play-off final so they will be out for retribution.

“They are a good team and we know we’ll have to be at our best.

“But we’ll have to be at our best all season. We’ve put a target on our backs with the marker that we laid down last year.

“But we’re a totally different team and the league as a whole has improved.

“It’s not just the teams that were in the league last year who have strengthened, it’s the teams who have come into the league too. I’d be very surprised if anybody went through the whole of the season unbeaten.

“There will be no bankers or guarantees this year.

“But winning the league and play-offs again has to be our aim. We want to defend out titles.

“There is a lot of expectation from the fans as they are excited with what they have seen. But, while it’s a cliché, we’ve got to take it one game at a time, starting with Billingham.”