Junee went down 36-14 to Gundagai in last weekend’s qualifying final to set up a do-or-die clash with Albury Thunder at Loftus Oval on Saturday.

Schubach will lead the Diesels out after captain-coach Matt Hands suffered a season-ending torn pectoral muscle.

The 22-year-old said the Diesels’ focus will be on defence on Saturday.

“Our defence, we have got to improve on that,” Schubach said.

“We have always got plenty of points in us, we just have to stay in the game for the whole 80 minutes.

“Having a bit stronger defence is the key to that.”

The Thunder enter Sunday’s final on the back of a 33-22 victory over Young.

They are building plenty of momentum with four straight victories, including three over top five teams in the past three weeks.

Schubach said the key to a victory over the Thunder lies in the forward pack.

“We’re going to have to match it with their forwards,” he said.

“They have got a big forward pack and a few good players so we will have to aim up in defence and match them in the middle.”

With Hands out, Jordan Walker is expected to be promoted to five-eighth to partner Cameron Hands in the halves.

Schubach has backed Walker as the man for the job.

”Matt’s a huge loss and without him we’re going to have a lot harder run in finals but there’s not much you can do about injuries,” he said.

“Jordan’s played off the bench all year so will probably get his chance and do a good job.

“With our reserve grade team out now, we’ll have plenty of players to choose from.”

The winner of the Diesels and Thunder will play the loser of Southcity and Gundagai for a grand final spot.