The two Wagga rivals kick off the season under lights at Conolly Rugby Complex on Friday.

Waratahs went through last season undefeated while Wagga City failed to win a game.

However the 2017 preliminary finalists have brought in plenty of familiar faces as they look to launch back up the ladder.

New coach James Curgenven is hoping to use the clash with the premiers as a yard stick.

"The guys have been training well, we're working hard and we will just see how we go really," Curgenven said.

"It is always going to be a big challenge up against the team that won the comp last year but we've got a few new faces in there and a few old heads back.

"We'll be a lot more competitive than what we were last year so it will be a good test to see how we go."

Curgenven is looking to see a better defence effort after leaking plenty of points last season.

Wagga City aren't quite at full strength with Jayden Stanton, Damian Dodds and Tom Jennings all away at a bucks party.

Monson Tuivale is also out with a leg complaint.

With Stanton out Wade Palframann will be in the number 10 jersey and Curgenven is confident it is the right move.

"With Jayden away Wade has been doing a really good job in second grade so we're giving him the opportunity to start in first grade," he said.

Former captain Hamish Wrafter makes his return to the club on the wing while Eddie Lagaali is at inside centre.

Curgenven is looking forward to having Lagaali back at the club.

"He's going to be awesome and has really taken charge this year," he said.

"He's really taken charge of looking after the backs with me and is going to be a fantastic centre for us."

However a big pairing with Noa Rabici doesn't look set to eventuate.

The Boiled Lollies were confident they have pulled off a recruiting coup by snaring the former Bill Castle Medal winner Noa Rabici but the representative star looks set to stay in Sydney.

Waratahs have plenty of changes to their side from last season as well.

Only seven members from last year's starting side have been named.

Chris Murray, Charlie Sykes, Sam Bunny and Harry Hosegood are in the forward pack.

Xavier Chigwidden has decided against retiring and is back in the number 10 jersey with Tim Corcoran and Dan Selmes also in the back line.

Blake Hart is out picking up an injury in a trial.

The clash starts at 7.15pm.

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