Raiders sign Jason Smith

Former Canterbury and Parramatta star Jason Smith will return to the NRL next year after signing a contract with the Canberra Raiders.

Smith, who is currently playing for English Super League club Hull, left Australia at the conclusion of the 2000 NRL season.

A former international, Smith has today agreed to terms for a one-year deal with the club.

Smith has captained Hull for the past three seasons and will provide a huge boost for the Raiders, who are tipped to be among the most aggressive clubs on the player market after June 30.

The 2005 season is expected to be Smith's last in first class rugby league.