The Wagga club moved into the top five for the first time since having a bye to start the season with a crucial win over Albury last week, but has a tough task to hold on.

With the Thunder guaranteed the two points for the bye, Brothers need to beat the fourth-placed Blues to maintain their current standing.

Captain Peter Little knows it is a crucial clash for his team’s finals hopes.

“It’s very important as we need to keep winning to stay in the five,” Little said.

“With Albury having the bye this weekend they get an automatic two points, which keeps them close to us.

“We just have to keep winning and can’t afford to lose another one.

“Tumut are a great side and are pretty much cemented in that top four so there are pretty much three teams fighting for it, us, I think Roos are in for a chance and Albury for that last spot.”

There is currently one point between fifth and seventh, with Temora also level with the Thunder.

Kangaroos are a further win behind, but have an easier draw than the Dragons.

Brothers are also looking to hit back from a massive loss against Tumut in round three.

The last time the two teams met, the Blues handed out a 50-6 drubbing at Equex Centre.

It signalled the beginning of the end for Ben Black’s tenure at the club, who was two weeks later.

However Little believes they are in a much better position 11 weeks later.

“We are definitely a way better side and will be a better side what we were the first time,” he said.

“I haven’t won too many games myself over in Tumut, it is very hard to win over there as they are a great club and very good at home.

“It will definitely be a tough game.”

Little believes having a better attitude has helped the turnaround both on the field and on the training paddock.

“(We’ve got) a better attitude, especially in defence,” he said.

“We’ve stopped a fair few tries in the last couple of weeks so our defence has definitely picked up.”

He believes there’s been a real lift in intensity, which has helped bring the team together and produce better results.

Brothers will also be boosted by the return of Patrick Sagigi.

Sagigi has missed the last four games due to the suspension.

Little hopes he can help the front rower can help Brayden Sharrock and Will Merritt control Tumut’s strong forward pack.