Cootamundra have been forced to make four changes ahead of their clash with Albury at Les Boyd Oval on Sunday.

Two-try hero James Howse is unavailable while Dave Buttriss (concussion), Robert Tulenew (shoulder) and Haydn Cowled (sternum) all picked up injuries against the Tigers and won’t take to the field.

However there is some good for for coach Glen Buttriss, with the injuries not as bad as first feared.

His brother Dave has been cleared of a broken hand he still won’t play after picking up a head knock last week, Tulenew will see how his shoulder responds before seeing if it require more attention while Cowled suffered cartilage damage near his sternum.

Coming off a narrow win against last year’s grand finalists it isn’t what Buttriss wanted to start the season.

“It is footy and there are injuries every weekend, it is just a shame to get that good win against Gundagai then have four blokes unavailable,” Buttriss said.

“It is a bit of a shame but there’s a couple of new blokes coming in and making their club debuts, which is really exciting.

“I think the guys coming in can do a job for us.”

In some good news new recruit Jake Goodwin is back from suspension while Luke Levett returns from injury.

After being unused replacement last week Jade Cowled will make his first grade debut coming into the centres for Tulenew.

Wayne Parker will also debut after withdrawing from the side following Riverina under 18s representative commitments last week.

Buttriss is looking forward to seeing him debut after unselfishly giving up the chance last week.

Albury let a 16-4 half-time lead slip against Brothers to start the season and the Bulldogs expect them to come out strong.

“Albury have a really good team on paper and are going to be up for a big game no doubt,” Buttriss said.

“After just missing out by one point last week I’m sure Adrian (Purtell) will have the boys fired up for a big game.

“It is going to be another tough game.”

The game will also see Buttriss come up against former Canberra Raiders teammates Adrian Purtell and Joel Monaghan.

While Monaghan is not a confirmed starter for the Thunder, Buttriss is looking forward to the clash.

“It should be good I’m looking forward to playing my old mate Adrian,” he said.

“Joel Monaghan is there as well and another ex-teammate so I’m really looking forward to playing against those two boys.”