With their two key spearheads out with niggling injuries, the Saints – who were decked out in a new strip to honour the history of the old North Wagga Stars – did their best work early against the Two Blues on the way to a 16.10 (106) to 8.4 (52) win.

“We planned our whole pre-season around DJ (Daniel Jordan) and Jimmy Morris up forward, so to go in without them both, Troy really stood up for us in that role,” coach Kirk Hamblin said.

“But easily the best thing about today was the four guys who stepped up for us, came into first grade and really didn’t look out of place at all there.

“It was a concern having three out and a change, travelling away to Barellan. So it was super pleasing to have those blokes come up for us.”

Liam Nilsen, Jack Flood, Charles Shaw and Josh Thompson were called in to the senior team and helped North Wagga to victory.

“We started well which was pleasing because it’s always a tough road trip to Barellan,” Hamblin said. “I was real happy with our efforts. I thought we really fought hard and dug deep in the first half and that set us up for the day.”

The visitors were up by 10 goals at half-time and 11 at the last break, before the Two Blues doubled their tally in the last quarter.

Saints midfielders Lachie Highfield and Cayden Winter had big games, along with Curtis and Corey Watt.

Barellan coach Will Overs had a handy game in defence on Jarrod Conway, while gun mid Sean Ellis caught the eye but did run into some tough opposition from North Wagga assistant Lachie Steward.

North Wagga head to East Wagga next week for a grudge match at Gumly while Barellan are on the road to Ardlethan to meet the Jets.