Veteran Newcastle Knight Jeremy Smith looks forward to returning to the field full strength against the Canberra Raiders after recovering from a sternum injury.
"I'm itching to get back out there and lend a hand where I can," he told the media after training on Thursday morning.
"It's getting there and it's not too far away, I'm hoping to get back for Canberra.
"I was pretty close to playing against the Broncos and I did a bit of contact, but it just didn't feel quite right so I gave it a couple more weeks so I'll be ready for Canberra."
Smith has continued with contact training this week and is eager to lead into the Round 18 game against the Canberra Raiders at peak fitness.
