The front-rower played for the Border club in 2019 before joining powerhouse Tumut.

"He's a good hard worker, if you need to get 80 minutes out of him, he'll give you that and he's always there, plays a consistent game all the time for you," coach Byatt suggested.

Apart from the previous Thunder stint, the siblings also played together at junior club Tumbarumba and overseas.

Matt Byatt was a regular first grade player at Tumut, so given the firepower in the Blues' pack, including NSW Country representative Zac Masters, it highlights his worth to the Thunder forwards.

"He either started in the front-row or was fresh off the bench and played every game," Robbie Byatt praised.

After posting only three wins in the COVID-shortened competition, Albury has made a flying start to the off-season after previously signing the brother of Melbourne Storm premiership player Justin Olam in fellow centre Jackins and Canterbury-Bankstown NRL development half or five-eighth Paul Karaitiana.

He will bring the class, Olam the power and Byatt the consistency in what's an exciting time for the club as it looks to regain form.

The Thunder have also welcomed NRL Victoria's leading try-scorer.

Faamai Aleni scored four tries for the North West Wolves against the Melton Broncos and while the standard isn't comparable with a traditional strong rugby league nursery in the Riverina, he's targeting a higher level.

"He's a wing or fullback, lightning quick and he's rung the club and wants to test himself," Byatt said.

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