Brothers out to shake off slow start in big clash with Kangaroos

The Wagga side is yet to taste success this season despite being one win away from a grand final appearance last year.

Opportunities don't get much bigger against cross-town rivals Kangaroos at Equex Centre on Sunday.

Staring down the barrel of a winless first month, Little said it was the game the club needs to win.

"It's a bit disappointing our start to the year after starting out pretty well in West Wyalong and against Coogee," Little said.

"It's very important this game and we can't keep losing if we are going to be anywhere at the end.

"We need to be winning games.

"Roos are in the same boat and need to win but they've already had some wins to start the year."

Little came off with a shoulder problem after scoring his second try in the narrow loss to Young last week but is confident he will be right to play.

After returning from ankle surgery in reserve grade, Cameron Breust is back at halfback and his experience should be a big help.

"It's undeniable that for the last three weeks the man has been one of the best players in ressies and it is time to call him up," Little said.

"He's earned his spot."

Cade Price is also back from a hamstring injury.

The speedster picked up the issue early in the loss to Tumut to start the season and Little wanted to take a cautious approach.

He expects Price will add plenty of spark.

"It will be massive," Little said.

"I was a bit more worried about his hamstring so we just wanted to see how he went through reserve grade.

"He's definitely back in and that will help us as we need that X factor."

Two of their three losses have been by four points or less.

Little is looking for more patience to help convert their opportunities.

"We're not building up to stuff and I think we're trying to use the ball a bit too much," he said.

"We are very young and we are just rushing everything.

"I think we just need to slow it right down, build for something, finish sets and repeat sets. The biggest thing is patience."

Kangaroos are looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season at the hands of Gundagai.

Coach Glenn Dumbrell has been named to make his return from an ankle injury off the bench.

His brother Troy is also expected to play and despite a surprise appearance last week Hayden Ashcroft isn't.

READ MORE