ALBURY will line up its in third-straight Southern Inland grand final on Saturday, but according to halfback Hugh Erwin there is a different feel in the club this year.

Erwin has been in and out of the Steamers first grade team since he moved to the border city from Crookwell in 2010, but has been able to cement a place in top grade this season.

Taking the "cursed" role at the back of the scrum, the 24-year-old has become at home in his new role.

Struggling to break through into Steamers' undefeated team last year, Erwin has flourished since being given the opportunity by coach Mick Raynes.

"It's been really good, our coach Mick has been really good to me, giving me a go which I've been very thankful for," Erwin said.

"A couple of injuries helped me get my spot and I've been lucky enough to cement it."

Lucas Boyes and Tom Wilmore have both played halfback this season before being struck down, and after Wilmore recovered from a knee injury he moved to fullback, ensuring Erwin the playmakers role.

Standing at 190cm and weighing 95kg, Erwin doesn't look like your typical halfback.

It's a role that's still relatively new to him, taking up the challenge a few years ago after playing in different back line positions.

Expectation is the biggest difference from his year's team to last year's team according to Erwin.

"Last year (winning) was almost expected, with an undefeated year with such high-quality, experienced players," he said.

"For us this year there was a lot of people who didn't think we would make it to the finals, let alone the grand final so it's probably been easier for us, just in terms of expectation.

"Now that we've got this far and we know what we can do, we really just want to finish off the job."

Erwin said his role has been made easier by the strength of the Albury forward pack.

With that in mind, he isn't too concerned with what Griffith will throw at them on grand final day.

"In all honesty I don't think it would matter who we are playing this week, I think we are really hitting the pinnacle of our season," he said.

"We aren't going to pay too much attention to who we are playing, they are obviously a really strong side - they've got some lightning quick backs and some pretty strong forwards but most teams in the comp have those sort of players."

Albury has lost four times this season, including once to the Blacks three weeks ago.

Of the four losses the halfback said the shock loss to Leeton had the biggest impact.

"I think Leeton was a bit of a shock to everyone and it kicked a few people into gear," Erwin said.

"From that time on I've certainly noticed the turn up in intensity in training and the way people approach the game.

"A common theme around is building - we've been slowly, slowly building and have flown under the radar.

"Hopefully it all comes together on Saturday for us."