Premiership winning captain-coach James Smart is back just in time for the final round of the season.

Smart hasn't played in Group Nine since leaving for America in May, but was named on an extended bench for the clash at Anzac Park on Sunday by Tigers coach Adam Perry.

However just how Smart will be used is still to be determined.

"I've got no idea yet," Perry said.

"I haven't spoken to him so I'll wait until he is back here, talk to him and then make a decision."

Gundagai only used two of their four bench players in the 34-28 loss to Southcity on Sunday with utilities Mark Elphick and Chris Rose not getting any game time.

Smart, who coached Boston 13s to the northern conference finals in America's fledgling national competition, arrived back in the country on Thursday.

However the 29-year-old returns with no expectations about what his role could be on Sunday and beyond for the Tigers who are one-point behind the Blues.

"I'll find out off Skip (Perry) whether it involves much for me, but obviously it is going to be a big game," Smart said.

After the second of two three-year stints as Gundagai's captain-coach, Smart admitted he enjoyed the change of scenery.

He's come back from the in good shape too, only sitting out once in their 10-game season.

"It was enjoyable, it was a good challenge and probably just what I was looking for I guess," Smart said.

"But it is good to be home now as always."

Boston only lost three games for the season, all to Brooklyn Kings.

However the challenges of trying to lead a side in the very different environment meant Smart didn't have a lot of time to keep an eye on things back home.

"I've been pretty busy over there and it has been full on since day one, and we only just finished on the weekend, so to be honest I haven't really had a whole lot of time to think too much about it," he said.

"I watched a little bit of video of the weekend just gone but that's about it."

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