Mooney made his starting debut last week and wasn't originally named to take his place at Conolly Rugby Complex on Saturday but took advantage of a late call up.

With Harry Hosegood withdrawing due to a leg infection, Mooney took his place in the second row, and was also used as a loose forward throughout the 39-29 victory.

The 17-year-old's performance was one of a few highlights from the clash according to co-coach Angus Stevenson.

"Nathanael Mooney is a young guy really fighting for his position and fighting to establish himself in the team is playing really well and you can see how much he wants it," Stevenson said.

"However we're putting down balls we shouldn't and need the forwards to gel with the backs.

"When it clicks it will be good and if we can win a game like that with the way we played we will be happy."

Wagga City opened the scoring when Rory Sheard scored the first of his double after six minutes but Waratahs responded with the next four tries to take a 22-5 lead into half-time.

The premiers were in control of the clash, and jumped out to a 20-point lead midway through the second half, before late tries closed the final margin.

However despite picking a bonus point, Albury's win over Ag College ended their hopes of playing finals.

Wagga City are the only team to beat both of the top two sides, Waratahs and Ag College this season, but only won two of their last nine games to miss a top four spot.

Despite letting a promising start slip, assistant coach Adrian Quilty believes there are plenty of positives to take from the season.

"I think we can be really proud of what we've achieved this year," Quilty said.

"We've gone from nothing in 2018 to six wins and we'll finish fifth.

"It is probably a bit disappointing but it's been a massive turnaround for us as well."

Not even a surprise appearance from former Bill Castle Medal winner Noa Rabici could help City, who look set to finish fifth in the first season employing a top four rather than a top five.

On the other hand Stevenson is hoping his side can find their best football as finals approach, starting with a clash against Albury on Saturday.

"How we are training is reflective of how we are coming out and playing," he said.

"We're training the house down and there we come out here and don't executive the things we've trained for.

"We thought with the rivalry game they might be up for it but they were flat.

"It wasn't the performance we were after in the lead up to finals, but we know what we are capable of."

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