Mortlock missed last weekend's loss to the Durban Sharks after suffering two corked thighs playing against the Johannesburg Lions 12 days ago.

But the 31-year-old trained with the team in Durban on Tuesday his first complete session since suffering the injuries and convinced coach Andy Friend he was ready to make his return.

Friend will finalise his team today but was leaning toward bringing Mortlock straight back into outside centre, and shifting Tyrone Smith back to inside centre.

Gene Fairbanks, who replaced Mortlock in the starting XV against the Sharks, is expected to move to the bench, likely forcing Matt Toomua out of the game-day 22.

Friend remained unsure of his scrumhalf, likely to persist with Josh Holmes after toying with the idea of bringing Patrick Phibbs back into the starting team.

Clyde Rathbone (ankle) and Guy Shepherdson (neck) both suffered minor injuries at training but are expected to be fit to play.

Pending Shepherson's fitness, the Brumbies' starting forward pack for the Cheetahs match will remain unchanged, although Sitaleki Timani will come on to the bench to replace the injured Shawn Mackay.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times