BATTLING to keep its finals chances alive, CSU has been dealt a cruel blow with finals fast approaching.

The general bye was supposed to be CSU's saviour in the run to the finals, but the Reddies' prayers haven't been answered.

With the bye a perfect chance to get players back firing, there hasn't been much joy on the injury front.

Ahead of the crucial game against Griffith on Saturday, front rower Greg Eldridge has been ruled out for the season, second rower Napolioni Naiyavalesi won't play, while number eight Sterling Ross is in doubt.

A back injury sustained while concreting has ruled Eldridge out, Naiyavalesi hasn't recovered from a knee injury while Ross is struggling with a back injury.

Forward power isn't the strength of the Reddies, and without the trio their depth will be put under even more pressure from a dominant Blacks outfit.

Line-outs will also be a major concern with Naiyavalesi and Ross the experienced jumpers in the team.

"It's not great news and not what we needed at this time of the season, but there isn't much we can do about it," coach Mick Wakeling said.

To make matters worse Griffith hasn't lost in its last five games and are on an upwards spiral in the competition.

The Reddies are the only team to beat the Blacks at home this season, but Wakeling expects them to be a different team on Saturday.

"Beating them at Griffith is a good confidence booster and we've got a bit of a plan in place to counter where they are strong," Wakeling said.

"With a team like that the less possession they have the better of you are so we aren't kicking it to them and don't want them to have easy possession."

Dan Rawaqa was out suspended when the two teams meet last time and Wakeling expects the former Fijian international to have a big impact on the game.

Currently in fourth place any points from the game will give CSU a leg up on Tumut in the battle for the top four.

Tumut are the only team capable of removing CSU from the finals equation, and the two teams will meet in the final round of the competition on Saturday week.

Wakeling is desperate to avoid a must-win situation at Jarrah Park.

The Bulls have a tough task against Waratahs at Conolly Rugby Complex on Saturday, but did push the ladder leaders when the two teams meet earlier this season.

"My way of thinking is that we need one game to stay in the four," Wakeling said.

"We are looking to do that as soon as we can and potentially if we win both win bonus points we could end up back in second, that's how close it is depending on other results."

In some good news Justin Wakeling is set to return from a collarbone injury, after initially being told he would miss the remainder of the year.

In a big day of rugby at Beres Ellwood Oval the clash between CSU and Griffith will follow the game between Ag College and Albury.