With losses to the bottom two sides in the last month, Tumut are desperate to make sure history doesn’t repeat against another team already out of finals contention.
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After what could be another costly slip up against Albury, the Blues are out to hit back when the tackle Temora at Twickenham.
The Dragons are eighth on the Group Nine ladder with just three wins to their credit.
Two have been against last placed Young but they are coming off a shock win over now fourth-placed Junee last time out.
Tumut are two points outside the top four and co-coach Dean Bristow has labelled it a must-win game.
“We knew if we lose this game it is probably our season done so that is the way we are approaching,” Bristow said.
“It’s a must-win or we can pretty much kiss our finals hopes goodbye.”
The Blues have lost three of their last four games, including their last two at home.
The were shocked by Young before a narrow defeat to then leaders Brothers was followed up with a big loss to Albury.
However it is something Bristow hasn’t even thought of.
“That hadn’t even crossed by mind and I don’t want to begin to enter there,” he said.
“I sure do hope not.”
Nothing went right for the Blues on the border.
Co-coach Adam Pearce withdrew after tweaking his ankle at training the Friday night, they lost Todd Broad and Jonathon McNamara plus had Bristow sin-binned twice in the first half.
Albury only scored two despite their numerical advantage but the lack of numbers and the heavy defensive load took its toll as they fell 34-6.
Bristow thought the bye came at just the right time for the club.
“The bye came at a brilliant time for us,” Bristow said.
“It allowed us to refresh our bodies and get away from it a little bit.
“I couldn’t have come at a better time for us.”
They welcome back Pearce to tackle the Dragons while Broad and McNamara will also play.
They have lost centre Brayden Draber for the rest of the season due to a knee issue and Ben Roddy is still a week or two with his ankle injury.
Tumut scored a 30-16 win when the teams met earlier this season.
Bristow is looking for his team to limit the opportunities presented to the Dragons.
“They are a very good side who play well to their strengths,” he said.
“If we give him opportunities they will make the most of them.
“We know they like to throw the football around but we have beaten them before and know we can do it.”
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