The NRL made a triumphant return to Wagga with more the 10,000 packing into Equex Centre to watch Canberra down Penrith 30-12 on Saturday night.
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It's been 21 years since the first competition game in the city and fans certainly showed their appetite for rugby league with the strong attendance.
Officially 10,079 people streamed through the gates, just short of the capped crowd of 10,300.
Wagga mayor Greg Conkey said it was absolutely fantastic to have more than 10,000 in attendance.
"What a great vibe there was around the ground," Conkey said.
"One of the highlights for me was 10 minutes after the siren sounded when children and supporters of the Raiders were allowed to go onto the pitch and mix with the Raiders stars.
"That doesn't happen in capital cities."
Canberra chief executive Don Furner was thrilled with the ground, the turn out and the support from Wagga City Council to make the event a success.
He thought it made the decision to align with council paid off for both parties.
"The whole weekend was really good," Furner said.
"You really have to thank the mayor and the council for taking that punt.
"I remember when we announced it last year they got some criticism asking 'why would you do this? why would you spend ratepayers' money on that? but if you don't do those sorts of things you don't get those sort of weekends."
Conkey was among the crowd as the Raiders ran away with victory late in the second half.
He said the response to the facilities was excellent.
Despite being on the losing side, Penrith coach Ivan Clearly said Wagga was a great venue.
"I love the country games and it would be nice to see every club do one," Cleary said.
"So hats off to the Raiders for doing it and for all the people for coming out."
The game was the first of two agreed to in a deal with Wagga City Council and the Raiders.
A second will be played next year with an option for more.
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