But before he's available for selection, Rathbone is itching for game time in the ACT Brumbies' pre-season trials against the Western Force in Darwin on Friday and a week later against an ACT side.

The Brumbies will fly to Darwin on Tuesday with most of their squad available to play against the Force.

Rathbone made his first appearance in a Brumbies jersey last Friday night when White put his men through their paces in an opposed session at Viking Park.

And with Joseph Tomane carrying a niggling injury, White said he could see ''the demons'' were gone from Rathbone's head and hinted the veteran would be in contention for round one if he gets through the rest of the pre-season unscathed.

The 31-year-old is making a comeback after three years of retirement.

He battled depression while away from rugby, but has overcome the injuries that prematurely ended his career.

''He's waited a long time and you can see he's still got it,'' White said.

''Just the little things he does … a big tackle, the pick up and chip down the field, it's reminiscent of what he was like.

''I'm chuffed for him and mentally [the opposed session on Friday] will be a massive step for him; he will be confident that he can do it.

''If he's in the mix for the Reds game he'll get more time in the last trial and all I was worried about was mentally whether he had the demons in his head.

''But I can see he's ready to go.''

White will have close to a full roster at his disposal, with only Pat McCabe still out injured and Tomane being given time to get over his problems.

The South African World Cup-winning coach is likely to use his full-strength team in the first half against the Force - including recruit David Pocock and returning playmakers Matt Toomua and Christian Lealiifano - before rotating in the second half.

Toomua and Lealiifano will play flyhalf and inside-centre respectively after both suffered season-ending injuries last year.

White is likely to use the combination for round one against the Reds.

''They'll get 40 minutes this week and then 60 minutes the next week, I just want them mentally to get ready for the Reds game,'' White said of Toomua and Lealiifano.

Rathbone will get his chance in the second half. He was on the field for the last 20 minutes of last week's physical session and showed glimpses of the power game that saw him rise through the ranks.

Rathbone had ankle surgery in the pre-season, but has recovered fully.

''The whole idea of the trials is to tick a box, it's a step in getting back to playing again and if I get some more time this week it will be another step forward,'' Rathbone said.

''I wasn't worried about any lack of desire. My nerves were just about being in the right space and not being too anxious or trying too hard.

''The key is to get more running in my legs, but if February 16 rolls around and I'm in the selection mix I've got no hesitation putting my hand up and being ready.

''There's only so much you can prove in training, you have to get out on the field and do it.''

FRIDAY

Super Rugby pre-season: ACT Brumbies v Western Force at Rugby Park, Darwin, 9pm.