The Vikings go into today's John I Dent final as firm favourites to win back-to-back titles, but Wests' chances have improved significantly with McCabe's late inclusion.

McCabe is expected to line up at inside centre after being named on the bench, but is restricted to only a half-an-hour cameo in his return from a stress fracture in his leg.

Promising youngster Rodney Iona will get first crack at containing the dangerous McCabe, while well-travelled veteran Robbie Kydd is another option the Vikings may turn to.

''He's a good footballer, but he's a human being,'' McKellar said of McCabe.

''If you go out there with stars in your eyes, he'll have an impact.

''If you treat him like another player then there's no problem at all.

''Robbie has played 10 years professionally in the UK and Rodney is an up and comer with huge potential, so we've got no issue with whoever marks Pat.''

McCabe had his first training run with Wests last night after being released from Wallabies camp in Perth, where he had been preparing with the squad for tonight's Test with South Africa.

The 24-year-old has been one of the most consistent performers in the Wallabies' back line since making his international debut in 2010.

However, he has missed the first Bledisloe Cup encounters with the All Blacks and is hoping to be fit to face Argentina on the Gold Coast next week.

Wallabies medical staff have placed a 30-minute restriction on the amount of game time he can play in his return from injury.

McCabe is one of two internationals in the Wests' line-up alongside No.8 Peter Kimlin, who, along with captain Aaron McInnes, are the only survivors from the club's last premiership in 2005.

McInnes backed McCabe to quickly pick up his team's structures after just one training session yesterday.

''There's a few calls to learn, so hopefully he's got a good memory and he'll get a crash course in the structure we're going to play,'' McInnes said.

''It's tough for the guy that has to miss out, but it's not bad having a Wallaby come into a grand final side.''

Wests also have Brumbies outside back Jesse Mogg at their disposal, while the Vikings have Super Rugby experience in the form of flyhalf Zack Holmes and prop Scott Sio. Despite McCabe's presence, the Vikings ($1.28 with ACTTAB) will deservedly be firm favourites to repeat their success over Wests ($3.70) from last year. They have lost just one game all season and have a perfect record against Wests in their three previous meetings this year.

Even their solitary defeat has been used as a positive, with McKellar wheeling out the time-honoured ''loss we had to have'' line.

''We had that one slip-up against Gungahlin, I was happy we got beaten,'' McKellar said.

''I don't believe in undefeated seasons.

''The pressure just builds and builds, so the loss didn't hurt us.''