Smart has linked with American National Rugby League team Boston 13s and will head stateside in May.

It will be a big blow for the Tigers' title defence.

However Smart is looking forward to the opportunity.

"If it was all about football then I am quite happy with where I am and playing for Gundagai means a lot to me," Smart said. "It was a tough decision to distance myself from that, especially with Skip (Adam Perry) coming in as coach this year, but as I'm getting a little older these opportunities don't come around too often.

"I had a long, hard think about if I wanted to do something completely different and there is an opportunity to do a bit of travel as well."

Gundagai's inspiration leader announced he wouldn't coach the team again last season before helping them to taste grand final success at his fifth attempt.

His will absence will leave a massive hole for the Tigers.

However the playmaker is confident they is plenty of young talent ready to step into his boots.

"I'm sure they will be fine," Smart said.

"They are training well and there a couple of good young kids in the juniors who I think you will see a lot more of this year."

Smart will play the start of the season with a departure date yet to be confirmed.

A hamstring complaint limited his involvement in Riverina's clash with South Sydney last weekend but Smart is confident he will be right for both Gundagai's trial against Jamberoo on March 9 as well as Group Nine's nines tournament the following week.

With the American season running from early June to late August the door is ajar for Smart to make a late return for the Tigers if they are still in contention.

However the 29-year-old doesn't want to take someone's place.

"I'll miss a large chunk of the season and if I come back and there is an opportunity to play then I'll be more than happy to play, but it would depend on how the team and all the players are travelling with injuries," Smart said. 

"If all the spots are filled then I'll be a supporter."

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