However returning Tigers centre Mathew Lyons is hoping not all history repeats.

This time last year the two arch rivals went into the final round of the season battling it out for top spot.

Gundagai blew Tumut away, taking a 34-6 victory, but it was the Blues who ultimately triumphed as they ended their nine-year losing streak against the Tigers in the preliminary final on the way to the title.

This time around both teams head into the clash unbeaten after playing out a 16-all draw in the opening round of the season.

Lyons was sin binned late in the clash before opposite number Brayden Draber scored to level things.

The star centre is determined not to let the big rivalry get to him this time around.

"It is going to be a close one especially considering last game was a draw but hopefully I don't get sent off," Lyons said. "I've got to try not to get involved in anything like that again.

"It was a bit silly but I've got to let it go."

Lyons missed last week after dislocating a knuckle in his left hand early in their win over Southcity.

However he's pleased by how the unusual has recovered.

"In my first run against Southcity I think I tried to palm someone and got my finger caught," he said.

"Instead of my finger dislocating it just pulled my knuckle out but it is all good now. The swelling has gone down."

The return of Lyons is the only change to the side after their 16-6 win over Junee last week.

He comes back into the centes for Jack Elphick and will reunite with older brother Jack on Gundagai's right edge.

The pair have enjoyed playing together for the first time this season.

"It's been real good, it's been fun and we're really enjoying footy," Lyons said.

Captain Luke Berkrey re-aggravated an adductor problem last week but will take his place in the forward pack.

After missing most of the season with the problem he is hoping it won't be too much of an issue.

Berkrey believes their performance in the middle will be crucial to determining the outcome and who has home ground advantage in the finals series.

"The game is going to be won through the middle," Berkrey said.

"If we can hold them through the middle then I think we have some more points in us out wide."

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