The Canberra Vikings are bracing for a Perth backlash as exiled Western Force players prepare to play in the capital just days after their Super Rugby futures were shattered.
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Devastated Force players will form the bulk of the Perth Spirit squad to play against the Vikings in the second round of the National Rugby Championship season at Viking Park on Sunday.
It sets the stage for an emotional showdown given the players are in limbo as they way for billionaire backer Andrew Forrest to detail his plans for an Indo-Pacific competition.
Wallabies flanker David Pocock joined the outpouring of support for the Force on Wednesday as Australian players rally to support their mates.
Vikings hooker and former Force squad member Robbie Abel says the Vikings should be wary of players wanting to prove a point when they arrive in Canberra.
"I'm gutted for the boys and their families," Abel said.
"It can be hard being over there away from the rest of the rugby community, but they've got a strong following and community there.
"I'm gutted for my mates, their wives and their kids and the uncertainty they face. A lot of them would be unsure about what happens next, so I'm definitely feeling for me.
"It could be any of us in that situation and who knows what effect it's going to have on the rest of Australian rugby."
Pocock, who is nearing the end of a 12-month sabbatical from Australian rugby, started his career at the Force as a teenager in 2006 before linking with the Brumbies.
"Really feeling for the @westernforce and #seaofblue. So grateful for the opportunity they gave me [and] great memories from my time in Perth," Pocock tweeted on Wednesday.
The ARU are waiting to find out if the Force will fight the decision in the High Court before planning a Super Rugby season with four Australian franchises.
There have been rumours of the remaining clubs shifting home games to Perth. The Brumbies have a deal to play all of their games at Canberra Stadium and it's understood the club has not been contacted about filling the void in Western Australia.
Incoming Super Rugby coach Dan McKellar, however, is keeping a close eye on contract developments as the Brumbies search for two backs to add to their roster.
The ARU is yet to detail if it will increase squad sizes or the salary cap to accommodate Force players with existing contracts, or how Forrest's rebel competition will affect players.
Abel just hopes the Force players can use rugby as an escape from the off-field drama in an NRC clash.
Abel completed his Mormon mission in Western Australia before taking the first steps of his professional rugby career at the Force.
"Western Australia is a special place to me ... I lived there for the majority of my adult life so the place and the people are special to me, and I know they'll be disappointed," Abel said.
"They're going to come here with everything they've got. They're going through a hard time, but when it comes down to rugby they'll be looking to do everyone proud.
"They don't know how many more times they'll be able to represent their state, so every time will be a special time."
NRC ROUND TWO
Sunday: Canberra Vikings v Perth Spirit at Viking Park, 1pm. Tickets available at the gate.
