There were plenty of question marks hanging over the Tigers outfit last week, but captain-coach James Smart doesn’t expect any surprises this time around.

“It’s good to be a little more settled,” Smart said.

“We had doubts over Matt Henery and Joel Field last week, plus JC (James Curgenven) as well, so to know all those guys take their places is nice.”

Brothers scored a narrow win earlier this season, before Gundagai dominated possession and field position last time out, but struggled to crack the Wagga side.

It is something Smart is very aware of.

“It took us 60 minutes last time before we got any points against them last time and had a lot of football on their line,” he said. 

“They are a very strong team in both defence and attack so we know it is going to be an 80-minute contest.”

Unlike their rivals, Gundagai are no strangers to the big stage as they chase a fourth consecutive grand final appearance and sixth in the last eight seasons.

After an up and down fortnight, Smart is looking for his side to come with the right approach.

“At this time of year is it about mentally being right on the day,” he said.

“Everyone has worked hard all year to put themselves in this position.”

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