Albury coach Adrian Purtell remains unsure just how his team will be affected by the coronavirus crisis.
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The Thunder finished fourth last season and had worked to boost their playmaking stocks in the off-season.
However their moves have taken a number of blows since.
First English halfback Joe Sanderson returned home due to the coronavirus crisis, then fellow recruit Shannon Bradbrook broke his arm trying to train during the lockdown.
With fullback James Girdler also not playing this season, it could see the Thunder back at square one.
Purtell remains unsure if Bradbrook will play this season.
"He was still in a cast last week," Purtell said.
"I'll have to touch base with him again to see if he's a chance this year but he's already broken it twice and whether he tries to rush back for four or five games I'm not too sure.
"I'd say he's highly doubtful for at least the first half of the season."
It comes on the back of the losses of best and fairest winner Jon Huggett and fellow forwards Luke Ingram and Matt Byatt.
The latter has been impressing at Tumut.
However it is not all bad news for the Thunder with Andrew Smith linking back with the club.
The hooker is no stranger to the Thunder, spending three years with the club following Country Bulls representative honours in 2015.
He's now been given the green light to return following another stint at Yanco-Wamoon.
"Andrew was there before the lockdown," Purtell said.
"He had some issues with a clearance from Group 20 but that has all been sorted and has been at training both nights. Hopefully he has a run for us.
"He's a quality player and also gives us a bit of experience and leadership.
"I think we still lack a bit of that in our squad."
Albury were one of the clubs who were very cautious about getting on the field in 2020.
However early indications at training have been positive.
"We've only been back two nights. The first night was really positive with heaps of numbers, we dropped off a little on the Friday, but everyone who has turned up has been very keen and excited," Purtell said.
"It is good to see."
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However their full contingent is far from settled, with low numbers in both junior grades a concern.
They've also lost a bit of depth.
"Rex Sargeant and Curtly Jenkinson, who have been two club stalwarts, have pulled out due to work commitments and there are a few guys umming and ahhing at the moment. I'm not sure who is in," Purtell said.
Albury gets its season under way with a clash against Southcity at Greenfield Park on July 19.
Purtell expects a tougher competition this year.
"I think it has probably worked out well for a couple of teams in terms of some leaving players have been able to come home with no other comps on," he said.
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