The Bulls have been as high as third this season and were fourth after the split, five points off second.

But things haven't worked out since.

Winning their first game in the premier division against Ag College, the Bulls have lost their next two.

"It's been a little disappointing as we've been competing well and getting close, but not quite getting over the line," coach Tim Graham said.

Never far away in either match, Tumut conceded two late tries and a penalty to go down to the Blacks by 22 points, before falling four points short of Albury before the bye.

The back-to-back losses have them five points adrift of CSU in the race to the finals.

The two teams meet next week, but by then it could be too late for the Bulls.

If the Reddies claim a bonus point from their game against Griffith and Tumut come home empty handed against the ladder leaders, it will be a mountain too high.

It's why Graham has placed such an importance on coming away with points against Waratahs tomorrow.

"It's definitely a really big game as we are in the situation where we have to win both to ensure we can make the top four," Graham said.

Tumut will almost be full strength for the clash, only without Justin Shortis out with a hamstring injury.

When the two teams met earlier this year, Tumut went down by 15 points and Graham is looking for his forwards to muscle up.

"They've got a really strong forward pack so we have to try and match them there," Graham said.

"If we can match the forwards I think our backs are as good as theirs and it should make it a good game."