The only problem is Iona's memory will be haunted by a 60 metre intercept by NSW Waratahs speedster Alofa Alofa instead of sending one of his ACT Brumbies teammates over the try line.

But part-time carpenter Iona has vowed not to let his steep learning curve affect his rugby goals, declaring he will use the good and bad of his Super Rugby debut to help him chase his hopes of securing a Brumbies contract.

Iona played his first game for the Brumbies last week when he was thrust into the action after just 10 minutes when Wallabies centre Tevita Kuridrani was knocked out.

With his first touch there was a back line mix-up with Robbie Coleman and Iona's pass landed in Alofa's hands, who raced away to score and give the Waratahs the upper hand in the derby match.

However, it's done little to dent Iona's confidence, even after 140 kilogram Waratahs giant Will Skelton launched himself at Iona's tiny frame.

"There's no way I wanted my first touch to be a try against us, but it happens," Iona laughed.

"It would have been bad if I put my head down, I just had to focus on the game and keep going. It doesn't get easier, you've just got to push on.

"Being in the team and getting a cap for the Brumbies has given me so much experience, I'm learning off some of the best players and coaches in the world so I'm taking everything in - the good and the bad."

Iona is on the Brumbies' radar for a contract for the 2015 Super Rugby season and has played with the club at sevens and 10s tournaments in the past 12 months.

The club will give him a chance to shine in the new National Rugby Championship before deciding who will fill the final spots on its roster.

Iona has been juggling training with the Brumbies with his Vikings duties and part-time carpentry work this year.

It means while Brumbies players are switching off from rugby, Iona is on a building site.

"Yeah, when the guys are getting massages or doing recovery, I'm out working," Iona said.

"It's a sacrifice, but this is something me and my family have wanted and I'll do anything to be in the system. I'm learning a lot and it's something I want, so I'm going to do it."

Iona has been in Canberra since 2010 and a part of the Vikings' premiership hat-trick in the John I Dent Cup.

He will return to the line-up for the first time in three weeks when competition powerhouse Tuggeranong takes on the resurgent Uni-Norths Owls.

The Owls have won their past two games to rocket into finals contention and continue their charge if they beat the Vikings.

There are just three games remaining in the John I Dent Cup season with the sixth-placed Owls fighting to stay in touch with Royals, Wests and Gungahlin as finals contenders.

JOHN I DENT CUP ROUND 12

Saturday: Queanbeyan Whites v Royals at Campese Oval, 3.05pm; Tuggeranong Vikings v Uni-Norths Owls at Viking Park, 3.25pm; Gungahlin Eagles v Easts at Gungahlin Enclosed, 3.15pm.