The two sides brought contrasting form into the elimination final, but it was the Thunder who responded best to keep their season alive.

Brothers had won eight of their last nine games, including downing Southcity leading into the finals, while Albury were thrashed 40-16 by Kangaroos last week, but the Wagga side couldn't sustain the pressure with everything to play for.

They led 16-6 late in the first half but didn't add to their tally in the second half.

Captain-coach Adrian Purtell was thrilled with how the side responded to take a 38-16 victory.

"Last week we probably had our eyes set on this game, and there was plenty of improvement in that first half but we had too many errors and late penalties gifting them field possession, but I thought the way we responded was really pleasing," Purtell said.

"It's something that should give the boys plenty of confidence heading into next week."

Brothers, who came into the clash without key playmaker Dylan McLachlan, looked to be in control in the first half.

They opened the scoring after four minutes through Keifer Power before Liam Carey put Brothers out to a 10-0 lead after 19 minutes.

Robbie Byatt got Albury on the board as he stepped through the line to score with 11 left in the half and it only took three minutes for the Wagga side ot hit back as Peter Little made a break and put Harold Kirby away.

Liam Wiscombe crossed with two minutes left in the first half to make it a six-point game at the break before a Keanau Wighton intercept turned the game.

The speedster went 65 metres to put the home side in front for the first time with 14 minutes to go.

Purtell thought it was a play that changed the game.

"They are a big boost," he said.

"They were attacking and next minute we are on the board but it felt like we were taking hold of the game at that point anyway.

"We were starting to get on top of the arm wrestle but without doubt it was a big play and changed the momentum."

From there Albury stormed away, scoring a further three tries to head into another knockout final with some much needed momentum.

Coming into the clash without centre Damian Scott, the Thunder started English firebrand Brad Nicholson on the bench, but he made a big impact when he came on.

Purtell helped set up two tries at five-eighth while Jon Huggett was another strong performer.

They tackle the loser of the qualifying final between Tumut and Southcity in Wagga next Saturday.

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