Despite Young coming off a string of wins, Branighan yesterday declared the form will not be good enough for the Tigers.

"We're been extremely competitive with the top teams, and some of the games could have gone our way, but we need to go up a few levels on what we've been dishing up for four to six weeks," Branighan said with emphasis.

"We've definitely got the ability to score points.

"We just have to get our defence right, and we can be competitive with anyone."

Coming ahead of Young's most crucial game of the season, the assessment clearly reflects Branighan's dim view of the team's four-game winning streak.

Thrashed by 38-8 by Kangaroos at Equex Centre on July 19, Young has subsequently beaten Junee (44-18), Temora (30-22), Young (26-22) and Tumut (68-4) on the trot.

Significantly, the four teams are among the bottom five on the table.

Branighan is patently aware the Cherrypickers face a huge rise in quality on Sunday - and the stakes as just as high.

"This is a massive game for both teams," he said.

"Third spot is on the line, and that (third position) makes life a lot easier for the semi-finals."

Currently fourth on the ladder, Young is set to fall to fifth if beaten by the third-placed Tigers and Kangaroos thrash Tumut, as expected, on Saturday.

The scenario would have a dire impact on Young, forcing the team into an elimination showdown with Roos in Wagga on Sunday week.

Branighan is not understating Sunday's assignment at Anzac Park.

It's one of the toughest road trips in Group Nine, playing Gundagai at Gundagai," he said.

"They're (Gundagai) in good form and our boys are looking forward to it.

"It's a big challenge for my young team, both physically and mentally."

Going on the front foot, the Cherrypickers coach said it is imperative the team, which will be at full strength, attacked the game with the right attitude.

"We have to go down there with the mind set to play for the 80 minutes," he said.