Wagga Mayor Greg Conkey said Saturday's Raiders versus Panthers NRL game had been a great success, adding significantly to the economy and putting the city on the national stage.

"It shows the support we have in this city for major football fixtures," he said.

"It has been a long time since we had one of the NRL fixtures in town; we had AFL and country versus city.

"It was really well supported not only by Wagga people but by our figures a third of the people came from outside the region, obviously a big contingent from Canberra but also the other states like Queensland and Victoria."

Wagga's attendance compared well to other games in the same round, including the Roosters versus Wests Tigers at the Sydney Cricket Ground that drew 13,666 people.

"On a per captia basis, it shows that NRL has a great following in the country and the powers that be will be seriously looking at even more fixtures in rural and regional NSW," Cr Conkey said.

Cr Conkey said the organisers had learned lessons from traffic delays in leaving the venue future events would have more car park exits.

"I know I was was tied up there for 20 minutes...that is something we need to address" he said.

Saturday

The long awaited NRL match played at Wagga's McDonald's Park saw a crowd of 10,079 flood the grounds to support the Canberra Raiders and Penrith Panthers.

It was clear to see the Raiders' supporters took the chance to watch the game close to home, with green being the overpowering colour lining the field.

The viking clap rumbled through the crowd with huge traction, setting the scene for a game that saw the Raiders shine throughout each half.

Home-game support saw a win for the Canberra Raiders, leading 30-12 at full time, and there were many smiling faces to prove it.

One family from Canberra, the Shoudra's, celebrated the win donned in bright green outfits.

"It was such a fantastic game, we tend to follow them around," Mum Kim Shoudra said.

"They're such a great team too, great guys, they always have so much time for their supporters and fans."

Not everyone left in such high spirits though, with the Payne family from Hay taking the loss alongside Penrith.

"It's a bit disappointing, but it was great to have the game so close to home and to see the boys play," Dad Travis Payne said.

Winners or not, attendees all contributed to a buzzing atmosphere of footy fans excited to see the live action right here in Wagga.

While you're with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to you inbox each day at 6am from the Daily Advertiser? To make sure you're up to date with all the Wagga news sign up here.