Rio Olympian Cusack and Kaino, the brother of All Black Jerome, were recognised as the best players in Canberra's first grade rugby competition when they were named joint best and fairest winners.

But they're set for a back-row showdown in the John I Dent Cup grand final when Royals clash against Wests in a premiership battle.

Cusack has been outstanding for Royals in his first
full season of 15-a-side rugby in five years, helping put the Phillip-based club on the verge of a perfect season.

Kaino and Wests stand in the way of Royals' undefeated hopes and the powerhouse No. 8 has been a driving force on an unlikely grand final charge.

Wests haven't won a title since 2005 but have found a perfect mix this season and are confident they can break their 12-year premiership hoodoo.

Kaino moved to Canberra this year to reignite his Super Rugby hopes after a four-season stint in the French second-division competition.

"I'm not too sure how they found me but in my first two weeks in Canberra I got a call from the [Brumby] Runners and I played the first two games which was a great experience," Kaino said earlier this year.

"It was really good playing with those boys and some of the Brumbies guys, it's a step above club footy and probably the same level I'm used to back in [New Zealand] and France.

"Brumbies is the end goal, hopefully I can put my hand up if there is an injury and I'd like to play NRC too, for Wests I just want to play consistently and keep performing."

Wests' title hopes took a massive blow earlier this week when veteran prop Ben Coutts was suspended because he had accumulated three yellow cards.

Brumbies back-rower Rob Valetini has also been ruled out because of concussion.

Cusack has been cleared for his return after being knocked out in the major semi final two weeks ago.

The Rio Olympian took a pay cut to join the Brumbies this season after spending the past four years in the Australian sevens squad.

He made his Super Rugby debut in April and will be the Canberra Vikings captain for the National Rugby Championship, with starts on September 2.

Cusack, a Canberra junior, is confident the capital's rugby community will rally behind the Vikings, who will wear a heritage ACT Kookaburras jersey for the first game of the season.

"I know there has been a lot of angst about the Vikings, but I don't see that as a problem," Cusack said.

"It's about unifying Canberra rugby. Teams all bring different qualities and to bring them together, I think we'll have a very interesting and expansive style."

Royals dominated the awards night, with skipper Ben Johnston picking up awards as the first-grade highest try-scorer and the Anderson trophy for sportsmanship.

Duo Dan Hawke and Ben McGee were named joint coaches of the year for leading the ACT schoolboys to their first national title in 29 years.

JOHN I DENT CUP AWARD WINNERS

Macdougall Medal: Tom Cusack (Royals) and Bruce Kaino (Wests)

Highest try-scorer: Ben Johnston (Royals)

Highest points scorer: Pedro Roland (Royals)

The Anderson trophy for sportsmanship: Ben Johnston (Royals)

Michael Hickey coach of the year: Dan Hawke and Ben McGee (ACT Schoolboys)

ACT best and fairest under-20s player: Darcy Swain (Tuggeranong)

Premier division club championship: Tuggeranong

Monaro first division championship: ADFA

Peter Lawler referee of the year: Matt Hogan

ACTRU volunteer of the year: Daniel Hogg (Albury)

Monaro representative player of the year: Matthew Caldwell (Jindabyne)

First division player of the year: Mik Webber (Goulburn) and Carl Lagonilakeba (ADFA)

Second division best and fairest: Andy Goslett (Bungendore)

HS Quinn trophy for services to rugby: Michal Hudson (Young Yabbies)