Matt Orford's NRL career is in limbo with Canberra declaring the former Dally M medallist unlikely to play again in 2011 due to a groin injury.

Orford's return to the NRL has turned out to be a disaster, with the ex-Manly premiership-winning captain struggling for form and fitness since his arrival in the nation's capital.

He hasn't been sighted in the top grade since playing against his old club back in May, with various injuries and the emergence of rookie halfback Sam Williams conspiring to limit his opportunities.

And it appears Raiders coach David Furner has finally shelved any thoughts of a return over the closing rounds of the season.

"Matt's had a scan and he needs an operation," Furner said on Tuesday.

"He gets back from Sydney tomorrow and he may be able to play again this year but it's looking unlikely."

While the 33-year-old is still under contract for 2012, the chances of him appearing in the lime green appear slim.

Williams and Josh McCrone have developed a promising combination so far this season while star pivot Terry Campese will also be back on deck for the start of pre-season training.

Orford was thought to be under consideration to play hooker against South Sydney on Sunday, with the Raiders facing a shortage of dummy-half options following the season-ending pectoral injury to Glen Buttriss.

Skipper Alan Tongue has been named at No.9, but there is no obvious back-up with Travis Waddell unavailable due to the affiliation with Queensland Cup side Souths Logan.

The Raiders are appealing to the NSWRL to allow Waddell to play, with a new rule brought in this year, banning players having dual registrations with Queensland Cup sides and NRL teams outside Brisbane.

"We're in a position where we may have to explore some options in positions where, a few weeks ago, we were fully stocked," Furner said.

"With Glen Buttriss out for the season, (under 20s hooker) Matt McIlwrick still coming back from injury and Tonguey carrying some niggles, it's dangerous but we have to field a side somehow."

Winger Reece Robinson will also play against the Rabbitohs with Daniel Vidot on compassionate leave, with Furner unwilling to delve any further into the situation.

"There are some personal and private things that Dan is battling with so Reece comes back into the side after returning from injury," Furner said.

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