A five minute period in the first half that proved to be the difference with the Steamers scoring three run away tries.

Despite having the majority of possession, two missed one-on-one tackles which lead to long range tries and a 100-metre intercept try took the wind out of the 'Tahs.

Trailing 21-6 at half-time, the 'Tahs still fought back gallantly.

Reducing the margin to five points with around 10 minutes remaining, they couldn't find another way over the Steamers solid defensive line.

A shattered Hugh Palmer couldn't have been prouder of the way his team was able to fightback after the horror passage of play where the Steamers were able to get out to a 18-point lead.

"We played some really good phases, put the pressure on and just that one silly mistake, the one missed tackle and full credit to Albury - everytime they got a chance they pounced on it and came away with the points," Palmer said.

"I'm really proud of the way our boys played, for 95 per cent of the time our structures were fantastic, strung some really good phases together, our backs looked sharp, but they defended really well and those mistakes they took full advantage of.

"I'm very disappointed as we played some good rugby out there and through silly mistakes of our own we let three tries in and you can't let a good side like Albury get a three try advantage in a final."

Making the loss all the more bitter, the 'Tahs claimed the minor premiership 12 points, and had been on top of the ladder for the majority on the season.

For only two rounds this year they weren't on top of the ladder and for the second consecutive time Waratahs have been minor premiers, but haven't been able to deliver a premiership.

After two years in the coaching role, Palmer is looking to have more of an influence with the boots next season.

"I want to play, I want to win a grand final and the plan is to put in a full season as playing and give it a red hot crack," he said.

For a club with arguably the most depth in the competition, injuries have proven costly at the wrong end of the season.

Matt Shortis and Steve Tracey were added to the big list, both unable to complete the game.

Shortis re-aggravated a hamstring injury handing youngster Stephen Dawson a first grade opportunity, while Tracey came off with a serious ankle injury.

Tracey was a threat whenever be touched the ball, with Dan Selmes and Tim Corcoran also dangerous out wide, while Jock Munro and Dave Armstrong worked hard in the forwards.