The Thunder become the first time to get the better of the Tigers this season and are proving to be a real bogey side for the premiers.

They suffered a 48-16 loss heading into the finals in their only meeting last season plus had a 28-all draw in round one.

It is the first time Albury, who were fourth at the halfway mark of the season, have beaten a top three opponent this season with their only loss coming against Southcity and Tumut so far.

Injured coach Adrian Purtell is hoping the result will be a confidence booster for his side.

"We've laid a really good foundation but coming into the second half of the season he hadn't beaten any of the top three teams so it was important for the boys' confidence," Purtell said.

"They knew they could compete with those top teams and now we've got to build on that confidence and bring the same type of energy next week."

Despite his side producing a big win, Purtell is unlikely to get too far ahead of himself with plenty of football still to come.

"It was very pleasing," he said.

"It is a positive win for us and I think we are heading in the right direction.

"Defensively we were good with our line speed but it is crucial for us to back it up next week and bring that same type of energy against Brothers.

"There are still eight games to go so there is a lot of footy left before the finals and that is where we want to be this year.

"It was a step in the right direction but we know we can improve."

Purtell is hoping he'll only miss a fortnight with a quadriceps injury he picked up in the win over Kangaroos last week.

However Etu Uaisele stepped up in his absence and was among his sides best.

Will Herring opened the scoring for the Tigers but the home side was quick to respond.

Tries to Keanau Wighton and Damian Scott had them out to a 10-6 lead before the premiers responded.

Gundagai went into the break leading 12-10 after Tyron Gorman scored and they went further ahead in the second half.

The Tigers were eight points in front when Herring crossed for his second after the break before tries to Uaisele, Curtly Jenkinson and then Rex Sargeant with around 10 to played sealed the surprise result.

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