ALBURY Thunder premiership hooker Mark Walsham has returned to Greenfield Park.
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Walsham will play his first match since the 2013 grand final when he lines up for Thunder in reserve grade against Junee on Sunday.
He has been working inter-state.
Thunder president Rick O’Connell said Walsham would give the club more options.
“It’s good to have him back,” O’Connell said.
“He will start in reserve grade and see how he goes.
“The good thing about ‘Walshy’ is that he can play hooker, lock or in the halves.
“He adds extra depth.”
That depth could be handy in coming weeks with star Thunder recruit Shannon Rupapere set to miss between two and four weeks with a back injury.
He played out last weekend’s thriller against Tumut before pulling up sore after the match.
Lachie Hampton is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Thunder will blood Ziggy Kennedy on a wing after the 19-year-old impressed in scoring four tries in the opening two rounds of the season.
“I’m a bit nervous but looking forward to it,” Kennedy said.
“Hopefully I will go alright on debut.”
While Albury is undefeated with a 3-0 record, coach Ben Jeffery believes his side will need to improve on last weekend’s error-riddled performance against Tumut.
The Blues were in the match with 10 minutes remaining before the home team’s experienced heads were able to break the match open.
Junee fullback Daniel Foley has been in scorching form.
He was rewarded with selection in the Riverina side earlier this week and is one of several attacking options for coach Matt Hands.
Hands believes the Diesels must control Albury’s pack.
“We’re getting wins but not playing great football,” Hands said.
Meanwhile, Thunder will host a disability league tag game at 11.40am.
The game will be eight a side with interested players welcome to take part.