Not since the demise of the Australian Rugby Championship in 2007 has the Canberra first grade competition taken on this much significance.

Up to 16 Super Rugby contracted players from the Brumbies will join the Vikings, with the rest of the squad to be made up of the best from the tier below.

Vikings coach Dan McKellar is also an assistant with the Brumbies, and previously led the Tuggeranong Vikings to dominance in the John I Dent Cup.

McKellar believes the development of the NRC will act as an extra incentive to players in the John I Dent Cup to put themselves on the radar of Super Rugby clubs.

"It's important because the boys are playing for an opportunity to play at the next level,'' McKellar said.

''It's certainly going to be a significant step up for them from club rugby, so it's important for teams and individuals to put their best foot forward and try and gain selection.

''We'll get out to games and each week update a squad who we think in club footy will be up for it.''

The Canberra Vikings will be one of nine teams in the NRC and have the luxury of the Brumbies' contingent having played together all season.

"Logistically everything's pretty easy for us,'' McKellar said.

''We know our training facilities, all the coaches are familiar with all of the players, but the important part will be making sure we come together with the professional players and the non-professionals that we gel as a team.

''We're definitely going into it to try and win the competition.''

The 14-round John I Dent Cup kicks off on Saturday, with the grand final to be held on August 9.