Player movements & Injury news

A move north is looming as the most likely way for Jason Smith to prolong his NRL career, with North Queensland and Gold Coast now chasing the Canberra veteran's signature.

The Cowboys are desperate to settle on a halves pairing after struggling to find a foil for playmaker Jonathan Thurston this season, with Smith viewed as a potential solution. Cowboys chief executive Peter Parr confirmed the club's interest in Smith, while the Titans are set to meet with his manager, Sam Ayoub, on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, Ian Hindmarsh could make a surprise return to Canberra next season after the former Raiders forward indicated he's considering a return to the NRL.

Hindmarsh, who has been playing for Les Catalans in the English Super League, has attracted interest from the Raiders and former club Parramatta. Raiders general manager Don Furner says Hindmarsh could be an option for the club next season, particularly if it loses veteran forward Jason Croker to the Super League.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Josh Hannay will join the Cronulla Sharks from next season.

On the injury front, Braith Anasta could be ruled out for the rest of the season, with the Roosters pivot facing surgery on his troublesome groin.

Anasta, who has been struggling with the injury all year, exacerbated the problem in Saturday's 25-0 loss to the Bulldogs and has been ruled out of Sunday's clash with North Queensland. The dumped Blues pivot may require surgery immediately, however, with specialist surgeon Neil Halpin to examine Anasta on Wednesday.

The news was better for teammate Ryan Cross, who is expected to overcome a shoulder injury in time to take on the Cowboys. Tigers captain Brett Hodgson is also unlikely to play again this year after suffering a medial ligament tear in his knee during Sunday?s 34-6 loss to Parramatta.