Mann-Rea will go from the Test cauldron to Viking Park when he lines up for the NSW Country Eagles to play against the Canberra Vikings on Saturday.

Less than a week after his nine-minute cameo for the Wallabies, Mann-Rea will play against some of his ACT Brumbies teammates as he attempts to keep his spot in the Australian game-day squad.

The 33-year-old hooker was named in a 32-man squad for the Bledisloe Cup next weekend and is a genuine chance to earn a spot for the spring tour of Europe, despite almost quitting rugby two years ago.

"I'm really hoping for another opportunity, it was an amazing experience in Mendoza," Mann-Rea said.

"You want to be a part of the best program, train with the best and access to the best coaches ... you can see why people strive to stay there."

Mann-Rea admits he's still an international rookie. He didn't throw a lineout in his time on the field against Argentina last weekend and he didn't know if he was in the Bledisloe Cup squad until told at Eagles training on Friday.

Brumbies teammate Nic White will join him in the Eagles' line-up as both push their case for selection to play the All Blacks in Brisbane on October 18.

Mann-Rea was still buzzing with excitement at the team's final training session, despite Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie being forced to deflect questions about troubled star Kurtley Beale and off-field incidents.

White said Mann-Rea's rise from rugby obscurity added inspiration to his bid to win back his starting scrumhalf position.

"He took the long road to get there, but Bongo [Mann-Rea] has an unbelievable story and it's touched a lot of people," White said.

"He's always had an infectious attitude and he'll come in with a buzz and it rubs off on you."

Mann-Rea has been in the unusual position of training with his Brumbies teammates in Canberra this week and preparing to end their NRC finals hopes at the same time.

The Vikings need to beat the Eagles to stay alive in the finals race in the inaugural NRC season.

But the journeyman rake laughed off suggestions he would be targeted now that he is a Wallaby, adding his only focus is helping the Eagles continue their charge to the title.

"There's been plenty of banter [at Brumbies headquarters] this week, it will be a weird feeling," Mann-Rea said.

"I don't know about having a target on my chest, I hope not anyway. All I can do is everything I can to help the Eagles."

Meanwhile, the Brumbies will play trial matches in Wagga Wagga next year when they play the Otago Highlanders two weeks before the Super Rugby season begins.

SATURDAY

NRC round 8: Canberra Vikings v NSW Country Eagles at Viking Park, 2.35pm. Tickets available at the gate.