EQUEX Centre is already starting to look a little different.

A day after the Group Nine grand final, construction workers were at the site, ready to redevelop the ground's grandstand.

With the City-Country game confirmed for next year, preparations are already underway to add a mezzanine level.

That will make room for coaches boxes, media boxes and camera stands to ensure Wagga is ready to host the big game.

You can't miss the crane towering above the grandstand, with part of the roof already missing.

It is hoped the roof will come down this morning, but further council approval is required first.

Wagga Rugby League chairman Steve Kimball explained a construction certificate is required from council following a late change in plans.

"We've made a late change to one of the engineering details," he said.

"We just need their rubber stamp first to check what we are doing is safe."

Originally planned for the roof to be removed at the start of the week, however due to the slight delay, the removal of the roof may be pushed back until later in the week.

The major structural changes are expected to take two weeks and the roof will then be put back in place.

Kimball still expects the $300,000 project to be completed by Christmas, although the ground needs to be a construction-free zone before a rodeo at Equex Centre on November 1.

"It won't be operational by then, but hopefully it will be fully operational by Christmas," Kimball said.

"We have to have it at a stage where they can use the facility.

"At the moment the whole place is locked down as a construction zone, but we have to open it up for them to use it.

"Then we will close it down to complete it in November-December."

The first major game to be played at the ground is the Super Rugby trial game between the ACT Brumbies and the Dunedin-based Highlanders on January 31.