Big name signing Matt Orford could be used at hooker to solve an injury crisis at Canberra when they take on South Sydney on Sunday.

Glen Buttriss has been ruled out for rest of the NRL season with a torn pectoral muscle, while skipper Alan Tongue will have scans on Tuesday for a shoulder injury.

The Raiders are desperate to find a No.9, with youngster Matt McIlwrick also injured and feeder club Souths Logan rake Travis Waddell ineligible.

The Raiders website on Monday said Orford was a "possibility" to fill in at hooker but was still struggling with an ongoing groin problem.

Speculation has swirled around former Dally M medallist Orford's future since a number of below-par early-season performances following his big money deal to return from Super League on a two-year deal.

But the premiership winner with Manly could be back in an unfamiliar role at Canberra Stadium.

"I need someone there even if Tonguey's right, someone on the bench there to play a hooking role," coach David Furner said.

"It mightn't necessarily be a regular No.9.

"That's just the situation we're in at the moment. The injury list keeps growing."

Fullback Josh Dugan has been cleared of any serious damage after hyper-extending his elbow in Sunday's 40-8 thrashing by Newcastle.

Tongue and Dugan are expected to be named on Tuesday and are likely to resume training with the squad later in the week.

The Raiders are out of finals contention in 2011.

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