The Wagga club fell 10-4 to defending champions Goulburn Workers to complete the first night of the West Wyalong Knockout.

The two teams were scoreless in the first half before the Canberra Raiders Cup team scored twice in the next 10 minutes.

Despite coming up short against one of the competition favourites, Ashcroft was pleased with the team's performance.

"I was pretty stoked with the effort," Ashcroft said.

"Obviously they are a strong outfit, who won it last year, so it is something to look forward to.

"There is heaps to build on from there."

Kangaroos had plenty of chances to get on the board in the first half but couldn't find their way through.

Eddie Jackson eventually pounced on a slipped Trae O'Neill kick to get on the board in the dying seconds, and they didn't attempt an almost regulation conversion attempt.

While left to rue some missed opportunities, the 22-year-old believes it is part of the reduced pre-season competition.

"There was plenty of opportunity in a short game like that a few crucial mistakes at crucial times can go both ways," Ashcroft said.

"I'm pretty happy and there is plenty to work with there with a new team and a new direction."

Ashcroft was busy in the new look forward pack playing at lock alongside new front row recruits Matt Henery and Craig Field.

O'Neill did most of the general playmaking but Ashcroft was also impressed with how Wagga Tigers premiership winner Jake Mascini created chances for his team after switching back to rugby league.

"I was keen to see how we went and he was pretty skillful out wide there," Ashcroft said.

"He turned a little bit on towards the end there so I'm pretty happy."

Mascini looked dangerous close to the line and almost got Kangaroos level midway through the second half after stepping through the defensive line.

However he pass couldn't find the support and Goulburn were able to mop up the situation.

Goulburn then went down the other end and scored through former NRL player Mitch Cornish in what was a knockout blow.

The Bulldogs now tackle Woden Valley in what shapes as the pick of the quarter finals.

Southcity plays in the first game on day two, up against Yass at 4.30pm.

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