Godwin will play his first game in 11 weeks when he joins NSW Country for their clash against the Canberra Vikings in Armidale.

It's the start of his hopes of winning back a spot in the Wallabies squad after a knee injury ruined his Super Rugby finals hopes and Rugby Championship plan.

But his Brumbies teammates will be standing in his way, setting the stage for a showdown with close mate James Dargaville at inside centre.

Godwin was ruled out of the Brumbies' finals campaign and his absence opened the door for Dargaville to impress.

"There are a few boys [in the Vikings] side who will be out to get me," Godwin laughed.

"There will be a bit of niggle and a bit of banter. Dargs is a very good friend of mine so that's going to be a good battle, I've already warned him to take it easy.

"It's good to be back. I'm trying to not look too far ahead, so the only thing I want to do is get back to and start playing again before focusing on anything else."

Godwin has put his Brumbies ties on hold for the NRC and will join former ACT lock Tom Staniforth and Royals hooker Connal McInerney as Country attempt to topple the Vikings.

Godwin, 25, moved to Canberra this year for a fresh start to his career, but his season was halted by a broken hand and a grade-three medial ligament tear.

The latter prematurely ended his Super Rugby season and he has spent almost three months doing rehabilitation to get back on the field.

Godwin hopes the Brumbies will help him break his Super Rugby finals drought next year after SANZAAR published the 2018 draw on Thursday afternoon.

The Brumbies will start their season against the Japan Sunwolves and spend the first three weeks on the road before playing the Durban Sharks in Canberra on March 17.

There will also be two afternoon games in Canberra for the first time in recent history, with the Brumbies to host the Argentina Jaguares and Sunwolves on April 22 and June 3 at 4.05pm.

But for now Godwin's only focus is inflicted pain on his Brumbies teammates in an NRC battle before turning his attention to Wallabies selection for the end of year tour to Europe.

"I was hoping to be back a bit earlier than this, but it has landed on this game against the Vikings for a comeback," Godwin said.

"We just wanted to make sure everything was all right before I got back out there because it was quite a significant tear.

"It's been far too long and it's been one of those years where I've had a couple of injuries, but I know that's the nature of the beast.

"For me it's about trying to find form. Wallabies and the rest will take care of itself, so that's what I have to concentrate on now."

NRC ROUND FOUR

Saturday: NSW Country Eagles v Canberra Vikings at Armidale, 1pm.

BRUMBIES' 2018 SUPER RUGBY DRAW

Round 1: Bye

Round 2: Japan Sunwolves v Brumbies in Tokyo, 3.15pm on February 24.

Round 3: Queensland Reds v Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium, 8pm on March 2

Round 4: Melbourne Rebels v Brumbies at AAMI Park, 7.45pm on March 9

Round 5: Brumbies v Durban Sharks at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm on March 17

Round 6: Bye

Round 7: Brumbies v NSW Waratahs at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm on March 31

Round 8: Brumbies v Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm on April 7

Round 9: Otago Highlanders v Brumbies in New Zealand, 5.35pm on April 14

Round 10: Brumbies v Argentina Jaguares at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm on April 22

Round 11: Brumbies v Canterbury Crusaders at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm on April 28

Round 12: Bye

Round 13: Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm on May 12

Round 14: Johannesburg Lions v Brumbies at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, 1.15am on May 20

Round 15: Pretoria Bulls v Brumbies at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, 11.05pm on May 26

Round 16: Brumbies v Japan Sunwolves at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm on June 3

Round 17: Brumbies v Wellington Hurricanes at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm on June 30

Round 18: Waikato Chiefs v Brumbies in New Zealand, 3.15pm on July 7

Round 19: NSW Waratahs v Brumbies at Allianz Stadium, 7.45pm on July 14