Former Albury Thunder coach Tuki Jackson will play out the season at Greenfield Park.
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Despite being shocked by the club’s decision to axe him from the top job last week, Jackson has agreed to stay on under Josh Cale.
The New Zealander is expected to start on the bench and play in the front row in Sunday’s clash against Junee at Junee.
“Tuki will be playing,” Cale said.
“He has committed for the rest of the year which is really good for the boys.
“It’s a boost going into the game after a tough week.
“He will give us more experience.”
After dropping their last three matches, Albury Thunder face a crunch match against Junee who is also fighting for its season.
Sydney signing Daniel Johnson has come into the Thunder side and will play in the halves, while former premiership player Daniel Jacobs is back after a stint overseas and will play on a wing.
Cale said the Thunder need to cut down on defensive errors to turn their wavering season around.
“We have worked really hard on defence in our last three training sessions,” he said.
“That’s where it all starts.
“Defence, talk and getting the one per plays have been the focus.
“It’s something we need to get better at.”
Thunder has leaked 32, 44 and 40 points in their last three matches and won’t be helped the absence of suspended hooker Andrew Smith at Junee this weekend.
Cale expects Junee to came out blazing on its home turf.
“Daniel Foley, Trent Schubach and Matt and Cam Hands are all good players,” he said.
“It’s not going to be an easy game.
“We just have to worry about ourselves though and get back to the basics.
“The most important thing is to complete and do the simple things well.”
Junee coach Matt Hands said the Diesels needed to bring their A-game to the table.
“It is a must-win game with them sitting in fifth spot and so much congestion around sixth to 10th,” Hands said.
“Lose this game and finals are starting to slip away with only half the season left.”
Junee were without Pat Guthrie and Pat Sweeney in the forward pack in their recent loss to Brothers and both are only a chance to take on Albury.
In other matches, Southcity should record a big win over Cootamundra.
Gundagai will have the answers against an injury-hit Tumut, Kangaroos play host to Young and Tumbarumba do battle with Brothers.
The Greens have recruited former Cessnock player Simione Maamaloa this weekend.