Wagga City nearly gave up a 28-point second half advantage but just managed to come away with a win against Griffith on Saturday.
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The Boiled Lollies recovered from a lapse in the first half to take a 33-12 lead at half-time at Exies Oval.
They extended their lead early in the second half before the Blacks roared back into contest.
Despite Griffith getting within one try of splitting the points late, Wagga City were able to hold on to take a 40-33 win.
Coach James Curgenven believes too many personnel changes disrupted the team's rhythm in the second half and the Blacks were able to capitalise.
"We probably made too many changes too quick and lost a bit of continuity," Curgenven said.
"The guys who came off the bench and the players already out there just didn't click and it got a bit disjointed there when they (Griffith) started to throw it around.
"We didn't combat it very well and it was probably a bit of coaching 101 from me and the other coaches but when you are winning by 30 points you want to try a few guys out.
"It just didn't work for us."
Curgenven and Eddie Lagaali both crossed for doubles in the win as did Chris Latu and Neori Qaranivalu for the losers.
Despite not playing out the game, Curgenven has been pleased with the side's start after being winless last year.
"They were physical and hard, as we knew they were going to be, and we weathered the storm pretty well for good parts of the game," he said.
"I would have taken a bonus point win any day and if you had told me at the beginning of the year we would have been two wins from three I would have taken that as well.
"We're definitely moving forward.
"There is still stuff we can definitely work on with Reddies this week and then three hard games.
"We really have to switch on."
One concern for City is a shoulder injury to Christian Smith however there could be some ready made replacements if they Englishman isn't fit to tackle CSU next Saturday.
Curgenven expects Will Boneham and Monson Tuivale will be fit to play the Reddies.
Wagga City then tackle Ag College, Leeton and Albury to complete the first round of the season.
