The Bulls became the first team to beat Tumut this season and are out to end another rival's unbeaten start when they host Albury at Harris Park on Sunday.

However there are still plenty of doubts over the fitness of one of their star front rowers.

Skinner had limited involvement in the Bulls' win over Junee in round two and has missed their last two wins against Cootamundra and Tumut.

He's still not guaranteed to start against the Thunder with a pubic bone issue.

The former captain-coach was heading to the border for more treatment on Friday and a call on his fitness won't be made until after Saturday's training session.

Kyle McCarthy is hoping he will be fit to play.

"Hopefully he's due," McCarthy said.

"He keeps telling me he is right and then can't play."

Even if Skinner can't get up for the clash the Bulls forward back will be buoyed by the return of Hayden Jeans.

Jeans was unavailable for the trip to Twickenham but the two-time Bulls best and fairest winner is set to offer plenty of impact off the bench.

It will be needed coming up against a Thunder forward pack who have taken a big step this season.

The addition of Luke Ingram and Brad Nicholson have been a big part of their much improved start to the season after the club missed out on playing finals football last year.

"They are probably more mobile than the Tumut pack with the likes of (Liam) Wiscombe and Ingram seem to have really fast feet," McCarthy said.

"To get a mobile body like Skin back will be really handy.

"But Jeansy is back and is another really good forward to chuck into the middle for us."

Albury had a string of narrow losses last season including one against the Bulls at Harris Park with a host of players out.

It is one of the reasons McCarthy is so wary heading into the clash.

It wasn't until the last few minutes that Southcity were able to get on top of the Blues to run out 36-29 winners.

The hooker believes the Thunder are a much more balanced side than that which Tumut offered.

"They are probably more well rounded across the park," McCarthy said.

"They've got more experience in the halves with (Adrian) Purtell) and Etu (Usaisele) in the centres.

"Across the park we have to be right on the ball.

"It is going to be a tough test.

"I'm actually really looking forward to it."

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