But new deputies Pocock and Nic White could be thrust into the captaincy job for the opening round of the Super Rugby season against the Queensland Reds if regular skipper Stephen Moore's recovery from injury is delayed.

Pocock and White were unveiled on Thursday as vice-captains to Moore, and both will be given an opportunity to lead the Brumbies in two pre-season games.

Pocock has played just five Super Rugby games in two years after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament twice in less than 12 months.

But he still has hopes of playing at the World Cup this year, and said he wanted to repay the Brumbies after injury disaster in the past two years.

"You want to have a think about [being a vice-captain] – you don't just want to jump at it," Pocock said. "There's always going to be pressure when you're coming back from injury. Most of it is pressure that you put on yourself. I'm trying not to put too much pressure on myself.

"But this is an opportunity to serve the team and there is a bit of responsibility that comes with that ... my role with Whitey is to support [Moore] and make sure everyone is on the same page."

Both Pocock and White took time to consider their vice-captain positions, but coach Stephen Larkham was adamant they were the right men for the job.

The Brumbies have halved their leadership brains trust from six to three this year, with Moore declaring the streamlined approach will ensure messages are not lost during the season.

Pocock is on track to play against the Reds at Canberra Stadium on February 13, but Moore is still racing to be fit after he had a knee reconstruction in June.

In Moore's absence, Pocock and White will lead the Brumbies in trial matches against the Western Force next weekend and the Otago Highlanders on January 31.

Larkham will then decide who will step up as captain if Moore is unable to take his place as starting hooker against the Reds.

"There's no way I'll have all the answers going through, and I'm still coming back from injury myself," Moore said.

The Super Rugby season doubles as an audition for Wallabies selection, with World Cup spots up for grabs.

New Wallabies coach Michael Cheika visited Canberra before Christmas to speak with players in contention and tell them what he was looking for.

"I was really impressed [with Cheika] ... but my focus has been to play well for the Brumbies, and selection and those sorts of things take care of themselves if you're playing good rugby," Pocock said.

"Five games in two years ... I'm just keen to play rugby, enjoy it and see where I'm at. I've loved the opportunity to come to the Brumbies and that's the biggest reason why I want to repay the faith by playing good rugby.

"Hopefully this is the year that I can do that. I've got a lot of belief and confidence in the work I've put into my rehab. I'm pretty confident with where I'm at."

Meanwhile, White is hoping to force his way into the Wallabies No.9 jersey after playing just two games off the bench during Australia's five-match European tour in November.

"[Being vice-captain] is a big responsibility and now I've got to deliver," White said.

Pocock was due in court on Wednesday after chaining himself to a piece of mining machinery in northern NSW in November.

He is yet to enter a plea and the case has been adjourned until February 4, just nine days before the Australian derby against the Reds.

"Action on climate change is something I'm really passionate about. It's before the courts now and I'm glad I got the chance to make a stand like that," Pocock said.

BRUMBIES TRIALS

January 23: Western Force v ACT Brumbies at McGillivray Oval, Perth, 8pm.

January 31: Brumbies v Otago Highlanders in Wagga, 7pm.