Arnold's journey back to the Wallabies begins Sunday for the Canberra Vikings in the National Rugby Championship against Queensland Country on the Gold Coast, where the towering lock will come up against fellow national aspirant Simmons.

The two partnered in the second-row in the Wallabies' disastrous series loss against England, when Arnold became the tallest person to play for Australia. But an elbow injury has kept him off the park for nearly two months.

Simmons has played more than 60 Tests but was dropped following the 42-8 thrashing by New Zealand last weekend, with Australia's line-out being scrutinised throughout the week.

At 208 centimetres, Arnold's height would certainly come in handy, but he said his aggression and impact around the ground led to Australian coach Michael Cheika selecting him back in June.

"He wants me to throw my body around and do what locks do well — strong ball carries, be aggressive at the breakdown, win your line-out and be strong at set-pieces," Arnold said.

Arnold's battle with Simmons provides a perfect opportunity for both to lay their claim to national selection.

"It will be good, I'm sure [Simmons will] be looking to impress to get back into the [Wallabies'] 23. With my first game back I will be looking to continue where I left off," Arnold said.

"We've played a handful of times against each other but we'll soon see, it's going to be good."

Prop Sione Taula is the only non-ACT Brumbies player in the Vikings' starting 15, and Arnold said this continuity in combinations would be a huge advantage throughout the short NRC season.

"We've got a good mixture of experience and younger guys coming through, too, so they'll be trying to push their claims for Brumbies next year," Arnold said.

"If you look at the forward pack, it's awesome. We've got Sam Carter who will be looking to come in and play some games and a solid back row with young Tommy [Staniforth] starting at six."

Rule variations ensure the NRC is played in an expansive and free-flowing style, but Arnold said this wouldn't stop him using his size to make a physical impact.

"It is definitely a bit quicker, so that should help me get my fitness back up, it's been a while since the last NRC, so we'll see how we go with the pace.

"After the opening ten minutes it slows down in spots but I don't think it will stop me too much."

NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND ONE

Sunday: Queensland Country v Canberra Vikings at Bond University, Gold Coast, 3pm.

Vikings team: 1. Sione Taula, 2. Robbie Abel, 3. Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin, 4. Rory Arnold, 5. Blake Enever, 6. Tom Staniforth, 7. Jarrad Butler, 8. Jordan Smiler, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Nick Jooste, 11. Lausii Taliauli, 12. Jordan Jackson-Hope, 13. Andrew Smith, 14. James Dargaville, 15. Robbie Coleman. Reserves: 16. Connal McInerney, 17. Faalelei Sione, 18. Nick Dobson, 19. OJ Noa, 20. Dean Oakman-Hunt, 21. Brent Hamlin, 22. Isaac Thompson, 23. Henry Speight.