The Brumbies put another piece in place for next year, signing rising halfback Michael Dowsett to a two-year extension to be Nic White's back up.

It is understood the Brumbies are encouraging Fotu Auelua, Josh Mann-Rea and Jordan Smiler to remain in Canberra and keep the squad together.

But Larkham is juggling a salary cap and the ARU's decision to abolish its funding for a five-man extended player squad system. This is despite the $40,000 contract program producing Wallabies Scott Fardy, Scott Sio and Jesse Mogg.

The Brumbies have already used 34 different players this season. But when the ARU stops this funding Larkham's squad will be limited to 32 or 33 players.

Potential recruits will have a chance to impress when NRC competition, which includes the Canberra Vikings, starts in August.

Dowsett has already been secured after being part of the extended player squad system this year.

The pint-sized No. 9 has impressed Larkham with his superb passing game and earned a promotion to the full-time squad, despite having just four Super Rugby caps.

"I came down here for an opportunity – I'm a bit lost for words now that I've got a full-time contract," Dowsett said.

"Moving down here is living out of home for the first time for me, working with [Larkham and George Gregan] has made me become a much better player.

"I was pretty nervous at first, but then it became easier because you realise they're trying to help you become a better player."

Dowsett hopes to emulate White's rise through the rugby ranks.

Just four years ago White was playing club rugby in Canberra, but has cemented his place as the Wallabies and Brumbies first-choice halfback.

White and Dowsett are similar in stature and Larkham said their similar style suited the way the Brumbies wanted to play.

A verbal spray by White in a schoolboys rugby game almost a decade ago started Dowsett's hunger to play Super Rugby.

White was playing for St Gregory's and a 14-year-old Dowsett was a linesman. White launched into Dowsett when he said his kick for touch went further than Dowsett had marked.

"[Dowsett] has a superb pass," Larkham said. "He's fit, mobile and extremely willing to learn.

"I saw him playing second grade for Norths [in Sydney] last year and was impressed. We brought him down on an EPS [extended playing squad] contract and he's really come along. From day one he impressed a lot of people."

Larkham said he would delay filling his roster for the 2015 season while he determined what talent was on offer in the new domestic rugby competition.

One of the players pushing for contention is Tuggeranong Vikings star Rodney Iona, who made his Super Rugby debut last weekend.

"There are a couple of spots but we will see what comes up in the NRC," Larkham said.

"The way going forward is keeping the core of the squad together and give guys on the fringe opportunities to show that they can be there long term."