Dunn missed the first half of the season after undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer.

The 33-year-old is slowly working back to fitness.

He's been touched by the support the Tigers have given him and his young family.

Now he's looking to make it count on the field as Gundagai look to defend their title.

"It's good to be playing footy again and having some fun," Dunn said.

"It certainly makes you appreciate it a bit more."

Dunn came off the bench in his first three games this season before coming into the starting side during last week's win over Kangaroos.

He did miss their win over Temora a fortnight ago to welcome baby Bowie into the world but has retained his place in the starting side to tackle Young at Anzac Park on Sunday.

READ MORE

The second rower feels he's starting to get some match fitness back.

"I've been trying to build up the minutes," Dunn said.

"It's an ongoing battle to try to be fit enough to be where you want to be but I feel like I'm heading in the right direction.

"I know it is part of the process of getting back to being healthy."

After first noticing a problem late last year, Dunn needed surgery and radioactive iodine treatment.

Now he's approaching the time for his six-month check up and the whole process has put plenty of things into perspective.

"It was quite shocking but if you are going to get a cancer, thyroid cancer is probably one of the better ones to get," Dunn said.

"I feel pretty fortunate as a lot of people are a lot worse off than me."

Gundagai co-coach Luke Berkrey is thrilled to have Dunn back.

Especially as the club tries to overcome a couple of injury problems.

"It's great to having Blake back," Berkrey said.

"Everyone loves playing with Blake and he brings a different dimension to our team.

"He can be an extra half on the field at times or he can play very tough and be a real rock for us in defence.

"He's just starting to really warm into the season, he has been good the last couple of weeks and we're excited to keep him starting now."

Gundagai were set to make a change to their line up however there are now doubts over Ryan McQueen, who is based in Queanbeyan.

He was set to move into the centres after a hamstring complaint.

The Tigers can't move out of fourth place but are looking to bring up their second win over a top three team this season.

"The biggest thing is to make sure we play well each week," Berkrey said.

"We're not thinking too much about finals yet but obviously a mental edge over a side above us would be nice to leave the game with."