Jacob Lucas is set to start in his first game in the top grade, after making his debut against Gundagai last week, when the Cherrypickers tackle Brothers at Alfred Oval on Sunday.

The Wagga side sit in fifth but are only three points ahead of eighth-placed Young with seven rounds to play.

With games against Temora (sixth) and Junee (seventh) to follow coach Roy Jewitt believes it's a crucial clash for his side.

"If we can string three wins together then we are back in the mix but we'll see how we go," Jewitt said.

"We have to start this week and go one week at a time.

"It will be a big challenge for us and being at home will make a big difference.

"Hopefully the boys will get up for it, we will be nice and fresh and play some good footy."

Lucas is set to start after fullback Tom Bush picked up a neck complaint in the 44-22 loss against the premiers.

Jewitt was thrilled with how the team started, after jumping out to an early before trailing 30-16 after a high-scoring first half.

However he's looking for plenty of improvement coming up against a Brothers outfit coming off wins against top five sides Albury and Tumut.

"We started so well, completed our first seven or eight sets to get ourselves in front and then we went into the normal - mistakes and penalties," he said.

Jewitt has been forced to reshuffle his side with Boro Navori shifting to fullback to cover Bush.

Kye Tiedemann returns to the centres, while Sam Langford has been named on the bench as he recovers from illness.

However it enables Lucas an opportunity at halfback.

Jewitt was pleased with his performance last week.

"He came off the bench and played really well," Jewitt said.

"His kicking game was good, which we've really struggled with, and he got us three or four repeat sets.

"Plus he talked, which we sometimes lack."

Brothers have made only one minor charge after their 54-14 win over Albury.

Brayden Sharrock back in the starting side with Clifford Morris dropping back to the bench.

Meanwhile Mathew Lyons and Luke Berkrey have both been named to make their return from injury when Gundagai tackles Kangaroos at Equex Centre on Saturday.

Lyons returns at fullback while Berkrey is in at lock to replace the injured Brock Dunn.

Royce Tout has retained his place in the front row with Dylan Murdoch to come off the bench.

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