The Gundagai captain-coach injured his knee early in the win over Junee two weeks ago and will be racing the clock to be right for the clash at Twickenham.

While not giving with hope of taking on the Blues, the 28-year-old rated himself unlikely at this stage.

“It’s a medial ligament tear, it’s not ruptured or anything like that, everything is still stable in the knee, so it is just a waiting game I guess,” Smart said.

“I’ll try and play this weekend but if it is no good then it is no good and I’ll try again the following week.

“At the worst I’d like to be back playing for our last round game against Albury.”

Smart has been plagued with injuries this season.

Last year’s Weissel Medal winner has been limited to just seven games after hamstring issues and then a broken hand.

He’d only been back for three games before going off in the first half in the 40-10 win over Junee.

Smart had been pleased with how fast his knee responded initially but it has since slowed.

However it is not all bad news for the Tigers.

Centre Damian Willis is expected to be back after missing the win over the Diesels with an ankle injury.

James Curgenven will also return to the side after a trip home to England while Jake Smart is set to come back into the second row.

With three rounds to go Gundagai are in third place on the Group Nine ladder.

They are a win clear of Tumut, Junee and Cootamundra and have the best percentage out of the teams looking to lock in a finals berth.

There is no love lost between the Tigers and Blues.

With finals places up for grabs it only adds more spice to the clash.

Smart expects the Blues will be fired up as the look to end an eight-year drought against the Tigers.

“It is always a big game between the two clubs but this one will be especially big,” he said. “They had a good win on the weekend, are in the four now and I’m sure they would like to stay there.

“They will be attacking this game the way we have been attacking games like the season is on the line and have a few weeks coming up playing teams around that top four so they will be going in thinking this is a must-win game.”

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