After going winless through last year, the Boiled Lollies came out firing under lights at Conolly Rugby Complex to start 2019 with a bang.

A penalty goal backed up by a quickfire try started things off in the best possible fashion and despite the premiers closing to within a point midway through the second half the underdogs had all the answers.

Two late tries and another penalty goal helped Wagga City take a 37-19 victory and send players and supporters in rapture.

There was a great final-like atmosphere as Waratahs' six-year winning streak over their closest rivals came to an end.

New coach James Curgenven was thrilled with the result.

"It's not a bad way to start the year beating the premiers," Curgenven.

"It just goes to show all the hard work and all the dedication the boys have put in this pre-season.

"I can't thank them enough as they have done so much this pre-season and I'm so happy to see a result."

Waratahs had won the last 12 meetings between the two clubs, including the 2016 grand final and the 2017 preliminary final, but they new-look side didn't have their usual composure.

A sloppy start saw City jump out of the blocks as the returning Eddie Lagaali scored.

Waratahs got back into the grind and Harry Hosegood's try just before half-time cut City's advantage to 15-12 at the break.

However City responded right after the break as Lagaali barged over for his second.

A strong run from Sam Bunny helped put diminutive speedster George Mallat over and Xavier Chigwidden's sideline conversion made it 20-19 with 25 to play.

But more Waratahs errors put Wagga City in a great position as Curgenven scored off a short-side scrum play.

Two minutes later newcomer Will Boneham clapped on the speed to score before Curgenven's last minute penalty goal sealed an emotional victory.

Curgenven returned to the club after winning a Group Nine grand final with Gundagai last year.

He rated the round one result higher.

"What a buzz," Curgenven said.

"I finally got my win over Waratahs after five years."

It's back to the drawing board for Waratahs' new coaching regime of Michael Davis and Angus Stevenson.

Uncharacteristic errors proved costly across all stages of the game and despite showing glimpses of their best, the polish to finish off their chances never eventuated.

Curgenven thought his side took advantage of a panicked rival in the second half.

"We said we needed to keep our head and to keep the scoreboard ticking over," he said.

"That would do to keep the pressure on and it showed at the end when we got that little bit of a lead - they started to panic and that is when we knew we had a chance of winning this game."

Curgenven was dangerous at the back following his return from rugby league, Boneham got through plenty of work before scoring an impressive try while Rory Sheard hasn't missed a beat after a season away.

Waratahs will be looking to bounce back against Albury next week while City head to Tumut.

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