Key forwards Trent Castles and George Kendall (four goals apiece) dominated as the visitors' quality they added over the off-season and desire to work hard for each other sent a clear message to the rest of the league.

The Goannas booted five of the first six goals to put their foot on the Tigers' throat early, and the hosts' inexperience in some areas was exposed as they failed to kick a goal in the second half of the 14.12 (96) to 3.7 (25) defeat.

MCUE attacked in waves with and without the ball in their first official hit-out of the year after having the bye in round one.

Looking for their first flag since 1993, coach Jeremy Rowe said they were motivated to send a message early.

"The margin was a bit of a surprise but the way our guys played is a reflection of genuinely where I think they are as a group," Rowe said.

"Obviously we have so much respect for all the teams, but in regards to us sticking our stake in the ground and announcing we're fair dinkum, it was really important we played well tonight.

"It got particularly hot midway through that second quarter and to see our guys stand up and hold their nerve was important.

"The way momentum swings in footy you can control that by making the most of their opportunities. We did that early and hit the scoreboard, and that was the catalyst for what happened the rest of the day."

"We were absolutely stoked with our pressure, we thought we did that in waves and our tackling was really strong. Once we got a turnover we worked really hard for each other and held our width.

"I was super happy the way we finished the game, we finished it with the intensity and tenacity we started with."

IN OTHER NEWS

Although he wasted a few chances, Castles showed why MCUE fought hard to clear up his contract issue with Corowa-Rutherglen during the week in time for him to take his place.

He and Kendall showed their class as a tandem, and Ryan Turnbull also pushed forward to kick three goals.

"Obviously we are wanting Trent to hit the scoreboard and hit it regularly, but we love his ability to present and compete," Rowe said.

"That's why he's such a handful, he's obviously got a lot of talent but he's a competitor. He mops up his own work and doesn't expect it to always be on a silver platter."

Tigers coach Murray Stephenson kicked two goals before a "minor groin injury" prevented him from playing in the final term.

"I don't know the extent of it. We'll wait until Monday and see how I feel," he said.

"It (defeat) hurts, being a young group and inexperienced I think it showed today. They (MCUE) were very good, they were well drilled and worked super hard for each other.

"We'll get some guys back and that will take a bit of time, but personnel isn't an excuse."

MCUE 5.4 7.7 11.7 14.12 (96) def WAGGA TIGERS 2.0 3.3 3.4 3.7 (25)

GOALS: MCUE - Trent Castles 4, George Kendall 4, Ryan Turnbull 3, Tom Keogh, Nick Collins, Max Hanrahan; Wagga Tigers - Murray Stephenson 2, Patrick Ryan

BEST: MCUE - Jacob Whitley, Tom Keogh, Trent Castles, Max Hanrahan, George Kendall, Ryan Turnbull; Wagga Tigers - Shaun Flanigan, Brendan Myers, Jock Cornell, Nick Ryan, Nathan Cooke, Lewis Waters.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: