Canberra has secured former junior Nathan Smith to return to the club on a three-year deal from 2009, ending his two-year stint with Penrith.

Smith followed former Raiders coach Matthew Elliott to the Panthers in 2006 but will return to the nation's capital next season until the end of 2011.

He left Canberra as an outside back but has developed strongly in Penrith, culminating in his best and fairest award at the club last year, and will return as a backrower who has cemented his place firmly in the Panthers' forward pack.

Smith said he was excited to be returning to a side that was full of young talent.

"Obviously guys like Todd Carney and Joel Monaghan are players that would slot into any side so I'm keen to play with them," said Smith.

"The Raiders are a club on the up and I think they can only improve in the years ahead."

Raiders CEO Don Furner said the club was happy that Smith has agreed to return and was looking forward to having his impact in the side next year.

"Nathan wanted to return home and we thought his form over the past two seasons has warranted his return to Canberra," Furner said.

"He's developed into a great player, and we're really excited that he's returning to Canberra."

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