Tumut are looking to hit back after a 34-6 loss to Gundagai which saw them miss out of the Group Nine minor premiership on Sunday.

Bristow's return off the bench is a boost ahead of the clash with the Bulls after what's been a horror season for the crafty hooker.

He missed the first four games after breaking hand on the eve of the season before suffering the freak injury in the round nine loss to Gundagai.

The 26-year-old made quite the impact in his five games with the Blues, and sat inside the top 10 of the Weissel Medal count at the halfway point, before needing surgery.

He's looking forward to getting back out onto the field.

"I'm very stoked to be back," Bristow said.

"It is bittersweet though knowing I didn't really help us to get where we are at.

"It is a bit of a tough thing but I'm still very excited and keen to rip in this Sunday."

He was cleared by the specialist on Wednesday however Bristow has plenty of concern over his fitness after the health scare.

He had a stent inserted for six weeks, before needing more surgery to have it removed, and hasn't been able to train pending clearance from the doctor.

The hooker is just looking to give Jacob Toppin the chance to have a rest during the game.

"Relieving Jacob Toppin for a few minutes will be ideal," Bristow said.

"It's pretty tough playing in the middle for the full 80 and if I can help him out just a little bit that would be great but my fitness levels aren't going to be too good myself.

"I haven't been able to run or do anything since I've been recovering."

Bristow coming onto the bench is the only change for the Blues, however centre Ben Roddy is in doubt with a sternum problem.

He will need to pass a fitness test to take his place, but if he does the Blues will be at full strength for the first time this season.

Coming off a disappointing performance in the battle for the minor premiership against the Tigers, they may need to be.

However co-coach Dean Bristow is confident they can hit back as they look to set up a rematch with Gundagai for a place in the grand final.

"I'm very confident you will see a vastly different side this week," Bristow said.

"I don't think we can play that bad two weeks in a row plus we're back at home in a home semi-final I know we will be a completely different team to the one who dished up on Sunday."

Bristow believes attitude will be the key.

The ledger is one-all between the two sides with Southcity winning 36-29 at Twickenham earlier in the season before the Blues hit back with a 16-10 win at Harris Park last month.

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