Smith will play

Veteran five-eighth Jason Smith will play in Canberra's must-win NRL clash against South Sydney tomorrow despite a broken hand.

Smith has answered an SOS from coach Matthew Elliott just days after leaving the field with a fracture near the wrist. It is a remarkable recovery considering that earlier this week Smith had been ruled out for six weeks.

The 33-year-old will play with a protective hand guard against the resurgent Rabbitohs.

It is welcome good news for the Raiders, whose injury list already includes Matt Adamson, Michael Hodgson, Andrew Lomu, Tyran Smith and Ryan O'Hara.