Iona will make his comeback for the Vikings on Saturday, five weeks after he injured his knee at the ACT Brumbies' end of season get together.

Some friendly fun on the Monday after the Brumbies were knocked out of Super Rugby title contention forced Iona to miss the Tuggeranong Vikings John I Dent Cup premiership and threatened to ruin his National Rugby Championship plans.

But Iona is determined to turn frustrating injury into success as he begins his bid to win a Brumbies contract when Canberra plays Queensland Country at Viking Park.

"I just fell awkwardly and felt it slip. It was nothing serious but I knew there was a problem ... I was gutted and disappointed to miss out on the Tuggeranong grand final," Iona said.

"I've really got to stamp my authority once I get on and give it all that I've got. I'm really keen to get back into it."

The Brumbies will roll out their big guns for the round three NRC match, injecting Henry Speight and Joseph Tomane on the wings, shifting Christian Lealiifano to five-eighth, Robbie Coleman to inside-centre and Jesse Mogg at fullback.

Iona will bide his time on the bench and coach Dan McKellar will ease the fleet-footed pivot back into action.

Iona is one of several NRC players trying to impress Brumbies coaches to win a contract for the Super Rugby season next year.

Pat McCabe's sudden retirement after breaking his neck three times means the Brumbies are looking for a versatile back capable of playing in the centres, on the wing or at fullback.

"Rodney's a guy who's got the ability to break the defensive line and we'll look to him to give us a lift," McKellar said.

"He's being watched closely [for a Super Rugby contract], the NRC is really important for him and what he produces will determine what he does with Super Rugby."

Iona has juggled almost full-time training with the Brumbies and his job as a carpenter this year.

He made his Super Rugby debut this year when he was thrust into the action against the NSW Waratahs in June.

And while his first touch for the Brumbies was an intercept pass which led to a try, the 23-year-old believes he can build on his tough initiation.

"I've got to get better in every aspect of my game. I'm not really thinking about Super Rugby at all," Iona said.

"To debut for the Brumbies against the Waratahs was a massive dream come true. I've had a taste now and I know what I need to work on."

NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 3

Saturday: Canberra Vikings v Queensland Country at Viking Park, 2.30pm. Tickets available at the gate.

Vikings team: 1. JP Smith, 2. Lala Lam, 3. Ruan Smith, 4. Tom Staniforth, 5. Tim Cree, 6. Jordan Smiler, 7. Jarrad Butler, 8. Fotu Auelua, 9. Michael Dowsett, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Joe Tomane, 12. Robbie Coleman, 13. Nigel Ah Wong, 14. Henry Speight, 15. Jesse Mogg. Reserves: 16. Mitch Wade, 17. Sione Taula, 18. Les Makin, 19. Dave McKern, 20. Sean Doyle, 21. Edan Campbell-O'Brien, 22. Isaac Thompson, 23. Rodney Iona.

Queensland Country team: 1. Haydn Hirsimaki, 2. Ryan Freney, 3. Greg Holmes, 4. Rubin Fuimaono, 5. Dan Gorman, 6. James Turner, 7. Beau Robinson, 8. Ben Adams, 9. Scott Gale, 10. Matt Brandon, 11. Giles Beveridge, 12. Anthony Faingaa (c), 13. Clynton Knox, 14. Pierce Fitzgerald, 15. Jamie-Jerry Taulagi. Reserves: 16. Tonga Ma'afu, 17. Campbell Wakely, 18. Fred Burke, 19. Sam Fattal, 20. Mitch King, 21. James Tuttle, 22. Rota Setu, 23. Todd Winkley.