Canberra Raiders' new signing Matt Orford remains in doubt for Sunday's home game against Cronulla.

Orford is still suffering from an abductor strain but has been named in the squad as halfback.

Raiders coach David Furner said he wants to give Orford the best possible chance to play and will see how he goes in training over the next few days.

"He's experienced enough to know his own body so I do take that in consideration," Furner told reporters.

"If he says it's right to go, I'm pretty happy with that."

Orford said he'll only play if he's sure he's fully fit.

"I don't want to be in one week and out for three," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"I'll be sensible and I'll be totally honest with the medical staff."

Orford is returning to the NRL after an injury-plagued 2010 with Bradford in the English Super League.

If Orford is ruled out, he'll be replaced at halfback by Alan Tongue or youngster Sam Williams.

Furner says the Sharks have one of the best forward packs in the competition.

He's also aware of the Sharks' good record at Canberra Stadium.

They've won five out of their last six matches in the capital.

Raiders squad: Josh Dugan, Blake Ferguson, Jarrod Croker, Joel Thompson, Daniel Vidot, Josh McCrone, Matt Orford, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Alan Tongue (capt), Dave Shillington, Joe Picker, Bronson Harrison, Shaun Fensom. Interchange: Glen Buttriss, Trevor Thurling, Dane Tilse, Brett White, Danny Galea, Josh Miller (two to be omitted).

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