Unfit, unfocused and simply soft were just some of the ways the Tigers were described after giving up an 18-point lead against the Thunder on Saturday.

With an unconvincing win over Temora split by losses to Tumut and Albury so far this season, Gundagai sit fifth on the Group Nine ladder after the first four rounds.

Co-coach Luke Berkrey isn't hitting the panic button yet, but wants to see plenty of improvement with the club yet to put in a complete performance.

"We're very clunky, we're missing tackles, we're bombing opportunities with the ball, we're not holding the ball long enough and all around we're just not playing well," Berkrey said.

"We're just not playing like a Gundagai Tigers football side at the moment which is a real shame as I thought we had a good pre-season and things were looking ok.

"We've started poorly but it's not the first time Gundagai has started poorly so I still have full faith in the guys that we can turn it around. It's only early in the season."

Berkrey isn't convinced the result was caused by a premiership hangover.

Instead is hoping the 22-18 loss can serve as a reality check.

"I think some guys think they are going better than what they are and probably need a bit of a reality check," he said. "If this doesn't then nothing will."

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Berkrey scored in the 27^th minute to help his side to an 18-0 lead before things unravelled.

Albury had been on the end of two hidings to start the season before an improved effort last week.

However they fought hard to extend a strong record against the Tigers, who haven't beaten them since 2017.

"We started the game pretty well to lead 18-0 after above 20 minutes and all things seemed to be going well," Berkrey said.

"They dove over for a try on half-time but everything we did well in the first half just did not happen in the second half. Unfortunately when things got tough we just rolled over."

Fitness is one thing Berkrey believes needs to improve for the Tigers.

"It shows they were fitter than us considering they were just ploughing straight through our middle at the back end of that game," he said. "We've got some guys right across the park who are out of nick and it's quite concerning."

Berkrey hopes the loss can spark individuals to rise to the level required and the level the club has come to expect ahead of a clash with Brothers on May 16.

"I get the boys two days a week and there is only so much I can do," he said.

"There has to be a bit of ownership. We're just really, really out of sorts."

With the general bye this weekend, Gundagai have plenty of time to prepare for their next clash against winless Brothers.

Berkrey hasn't ruled out making changes.

He will need a new fullback with Dane O'Hehir to miss the clash after being selected for Country.