ACT Brumbies lock Arnold was one of the 45 hopefuls invited to a two-day camp by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika as he starts ramping up preparation to take on former Australian coach Eddie Jones and England.

The tent set-up was a break from the plush hotels usually afforded to Wallabies teams on tour or in camps and 208-centimetre Arnold had his toes poking out the end.

It was the next step in his pursuit of a Wallabies jersey and Cheika has told him to throw his size around in Super Rugby to be a physical presence ready to step on to the international stage.

"We were on the ferry and I was thinking, 'what's going on here?' and then we saw the tents. I got my own so that was good," Arnold said.

"I had a chat with Cheik and he probably just wants me to be a bit more physical and a bit more dynamic with my ball carry.

"I want to be more aggressive in every aspect of my game. The selection for locks is pretty tough but that's a good thing for Australian rugby. Our job is to make it a headache for Cheik when you come into a squad."

Arnold has been invited to multiple planning camps and training sessions as he continues to chase a Test call-up.

Brumbies prop Allan Alaalatoa was also part of the camp in Sydney and the pair will use the Brumbies' season-defining block of five games to help push their selection bid.

The Brumbies have a bye this weekend before games against the Waratahs, Canterbury Crusaders, Otago Highlanders, Pretoria Bulls and Melbourne Rebels.

"Especially with Kane [Douglas] injured at the moment, there's a lock spot open there for someone to potentially grab and fight for," Arnold said.

"I'm looking forward to it and hopefully leading into those June Tests I can put some performances together and you never know what could happen.

"The tents were pretty small for me at this camp, but I enjoyed it there and just talking about what Cheik wants out of the season to build up."

The Brumbies suffered their biggest home defeat against the Waikato Chiefs last weekend, falling 48-23.

They are level with the Rebels at the top of the Australian conference, but their next block of games could decide their title hopes.

Some Brumbies will line up in Canberra's club competition this weekend while others have been given time to recuperate after a tough six weeks, which included a road trip to Perth, and trips to Cape Town and Bloemfontein.

Brumbies second-rower Blake Enever is nearing a return from a shoulder injury with competition for selection to intensify as Enever, Arnold, Tom Staniforth and Jordan Smiler compete for positions.

"It will be good to get away for a little bit just to refresh ... I think we're in a good position for locks and back rowers so it's going to be tough to keep your spot," Arnold said.

"We'll have to all be working hard to see who gets the nod and it will be good to have Blake back."