BRAVE back rower Jarrod O'Doherty is ready to play through the pain barrier to keep alive the Giants' dream of reaching the Super League play-offs.
The popular Australian suffered a recurrence of the sternum injury which forced him to miss two games in July during last weekend's 26-14 triumph over Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.
But he is desperate to play in tonight's big Sky-televised game at Castleford Tigers (8.00) and is ready to declare himself fit for a showdown neither side can afford to lose if they are to reach the top six at the end of the regular season.
A final decision on O'Doherty's fitness will be taken before the Giants leave for The Jungle, with Matthew Whittaker standing by to take over.
But Smith admits he would be surprised if the 25-year-old former Newcastle Knights star didn't make it.
"I think it would take something extraordinary to prevent Jarrod playing in this one," said Smith.
"The injury he picked up is painful, but such is Jarrod's desire to help the cause that he's prepared to play on.
"And, from a selfish point of view, I would be disappointed if he didn't make it.
"Jarrod has done a great job for us and been one of our most consistent players.
"I think we're all aware of the importance of our remaining four fixtures and we're desperate to do well tonight, particularly as it's in front of the Sky TV cameras.
"Luckily, the rest of the squad are fit and raring to go, and they're really looking forward to this latest big challenge."
Opponents Castleford have received a massive pre-match boost, with captain and stand-off Danny Orr due to return after suffering a broken hand last month and blockbusting forward Michael Smith back after a virus.
Meanwhile the Giants' final Super League game, at home to play-off rivals Warrington Wolves, has been brought forward two days to Friday September 12 for Sky coverage. Kick-off will be 8.00.
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