The Tigers premiership-winning captain-coach heads off to the United States next week where he'll link with Boston Thirteens in the American National Rugby League competition.

The clash with Brothers at Equex Centre on Sunday could be his last for the season and after spending the previous three as the Tigers leader the 29-year-old admitted their start makes it easier to leave.

"We're a good side and have high expectations of ourselves so I didn't expect any less when I made he decision to go to the US," Smart said. "It's not so much about leaving Gundagai but more about my own personal development.

"I've put a lot of time into the club but thought it was time to make that selfish decision and try something different for myself for a small period of time."

He's confident they are plenty of Tigers ready to fill his boots.

Smart has been in good form for the Tigers and is looking for another strong game to cap off his preparations for his US adventure.

"Hopefully it is a good game of footy," Smart said.

"Brothers probably haven't got off to the start they wanted to but it would be nice to finish off with a tough game."

He expects they will really be up for the challenge as they look to bring up their first win, but the Tigers have plenty to play for as well.

They are looking to give halfback Tyron Gorman a win to celebrate his 100^th first grade game as well as extend their unbeaten start to the season.

After a draw with Albury to start the season the Tigers have won three straight to sit on top of the Group Nine ladder.

It's the opposite of how Gundagai started last year but Smart knows there is plenty of improvement in the side.

"We're much better placed than where we were this time last year and I feel like we're cruising along really well," he said.

"We are nowhere near where Skip (coach Adam Perry) would like us to be by the end of the season but come the end of the season I'm sure we will be playing even better than what we are now."

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