Scrumhalf Matt Lucas is poised to earn his first starting appearance for the Brumbies at the expense of Joe Powell, while skipper Sam Carter is believed to be close to returning from concussion.

Fullback Tom Banks is also pushing for a starting XV recall against his former club as the Brumbies aim to end a four-game losing run against Australian opponents.

The battle against the Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium will have a massive impact on the Brumbies' hopes of making the finals this season.

The resurgent Reds stunned the Brumbies in round three, crushing the ACT side's set piece on their way to an 18-10 win last month.

If the Reds win again it will be the first time in Super Rugby history Queensland has won three consecutive games against the Brumbies.

But newly re-signed hooker Folau Faingaa says the Brumbies are ready to go to war to save their season and get redemption against the Queensland pack.

"We had a disappointing loss last week against [NSW], but the prep this week has been good and the boys are buzzing for this one," Faingaa said.

"The Reds are a big team, they're very strong as well. We've done our work to know what we're up against and what will be coming our way."

Faingaa has signed a two-year contract extension after playing just three Super Rugby games since making his debut against the Melbourne Rebels last month.

He has been thrust into an unexpected starting role after Josh Mann-Rea suffered a season-ending hamstring injury and his new deal continues a remarkable rise.

The 22-year-old former Australian under-20s rake was working on a job site as a concreter in Sydney last year and wondered if anyone would give him a Super Rugby opportunity.

The Brumbies offered him that chance on an extended player squad deal, but he has already shown he can be a star of the future if he continues to improve.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika invited Faingaa into Wallabies camp last year before he had played a game for the Brumbies.

"I'm just stoked to have my future sorted for a couple of years, it feels good to be wanted by someone," Faingaa said.

"I was questioning myself last year, wondering what I was doing wrong or if I was doing the small things right. When this opportunity came, I took it with both hands."

McKellar, who will finalise his squad on Thursday, is hoping the young hooker can provide stability in the front row alongside Wallabies Allan Alaalatoa and Scott Sio.

The trio face a massive test against the Reds, in particular powerhouse tighthead prop Taniela 'Tongan Thor' Tupou.

The Reds have been the surprise packet of the Australian conference so far this year, winning three of their five games under the guidance of new coach Brad Thorn.

Meanwhile, the Brumbies are offering a $5 ticket for fans who get to Canberra Stadium by 5.30pm to give supporters extra incentive to arrive early to watch the Super W clash.

SUPER RUGBY ROUND EIGHT

Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.

Super W: ACT Brumbies v Western Force at Canberra Stadium, 5pm. Tickets available at the gate.