The perennial NRL heavyweights were confirmed as the Raiders' rivals for their third annual premiership match in Wagga, which is again slated for a Saturday 3pm timeslot when the season draw was released on Tuesday.

The first two instalments of the clubs' agreement to play a premiership match at Equex Centre each year have been played on a Saturday afternoon in early May, after the Gold Cup on Friday and the Town Plate on Thursday.

It will take place on the first weekend of the NSW school holidays.

The Canberra Times reported on Monday night two of the biggest sports events on Wagga's calendar will now have stand alone status, with the Raiders game to be played earlier in the year.

The decision to separate the events should ensure the local economy gets two bites at the cherry with visitors streaming into the city.

The Raiders defeated Penrith in the first match in Wagga in 2019, before a defeat to Newcastle this year after the 2020 fixture was postponed a season due to COVID.

Canberra announced they would return for a third match in the lead-up to the Knights clash.

Wagga mayor Greg Conkey praised the Raiders for sticking with the region after last year's crowd was reduced due to COVID protocols.

"We had to call off the 2020 fixture due to the uncertainty of the pandemic and whilst this year's game successfully went ahead, there were limited numbers allowed at the ground," Conkey said.

"Full marks to the Raiders and the NRL for sticking with the regions in 2022, and in particular Wagga Wagga. We want to see a capacity crowd next year and to have that happen against the Storm will be a huge coup for our city."

Raiders CEO Don Furner said the club is relishing the developing partnership with the region.

"We all know it's been a tough couple of years for everyone and we're sticking to our commitment to bring one of our games to Wagga," Furner said.

"Everyone needs a morale boost as we come out of restrictions and hopefully we can play our part in that recovery, giving the city a significant event to look forward to as part of our strong relationship developed with the region."

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