Brothers are sweating on making the most of their second chance as they look to qualify for their ninth leaguetag grand final.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The minor premiers jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the qualifying final before being run down by Albury on Saturday.
The Thunder went through to their third straight grand final with a 18-10 win.
Coach Craig Stewart was disappointed with how they let a good lead slip.
“They played well in the first 10 minutes then I think we took the foot off the gas,” Stewart said.
“Albury are a good team and you can’t do that to them.
“They came over the top.”
Tries to Caitlin Laurent and Brooke Wiggett had Brothers out to a 10-0 after seven minutes.
Albury responded through Jess McDonell before Gemma Blackhall try right on half-time helped Albury to a 12-10 lead.
Samantha O’Connell extended their advantage with a penalty goal before Olivia Beer scored late to ensure the win.
The six-time champions have only missed a place twice on Group Nine grand final day and Brothers need to bounce back against Cootamundra on Sunday.
The Bullettes downed Temora in the elimination final to keep their season alive.
The Dragons beat Albury four weeks ago but couldn’t back that up to fall 10-8 at Anzac Park on Sunday.
Brothers will welcome back Ellen McIntyre to tackle Cootamundra in the preliminary final.
She was part of CSU’s grand final win in the women’s sevens, but there are doubts over Jess Absolum’s fitness.
Absolum injured her knee in the first half and her absence was felt.
“We’re not real sure if she will be available this weekend which leaves a big hole in the team,” Morris said.