The Canberra Vikings will throw open the gates and offer free entry to their National Rugby Championship games in a bid to generate support in the rugby community.
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But the involvement of some of their marquee men will hinge on Test duties and whether Michael Cheika is willing to deploy fringe Wallabies in the season-opener next weekend.
The Vikings will play Queensland Country in an NRC grand final re-match at Viking Park on September 1. It will be one of just three home games for the Vikings this year.
Vikings officials have decided to scrap ticket prices and will instead collect money at games to raise money for charity, including the drought relief campaign and Marymead.
The Vikings will also wear an ACT Kookaburras heritage jersey for the first game of the season as they attempt to garner support from all Canberra clubs.
"It is important to us that the local rugby community has access to a quality competition and by allowing all spectators free entry in 2018 we hope that we can also play our part in growing the game," said Vikings boss Anthony Hill.
The Vikings will meet for the first time on Sunday and coach Nick Scrivener is waiting for Rugby Australia to decide if any of the team's allocated players will be available for the match against Queensland.
Joe Powell looms as the most likely inclusion, but Tom Banks and Folau Faingaa could also be included in the Vikings squad depending on how much game time they get in their double international debut on Saturday.
Out-of-favour Wallabies lock Rory Arnold will also be keen to impress, while the Brumbies have rested captain Sam Carter, Tom Cusack and Lachlan McCaffrey from NRC duties.
Scrivener, a former Canberra Vikings and Kookaburras player, is taking the coaching reins for the first time after returning to the capital this year.
"I've been speaking to the local coaches right through the process, we've got a good handle on who's been playing well or injured," Scrivener said.
"If you look at [Brumbies] contracted players and Wallabies, most of those guys have come through the Canberra Vikings in its various forms over the years. It's a really important stepping stone in the pathway in Canberra rugby and I think it's a really good step up from what has been a good club season."
Former NSW Waratahs centre Irae Simone has moved to Canberra after signing a deal to join the Brumbies, while ex-Australian under-20s prop Vunipola Fifita is also chasing a Super Rugby contract.
The Vikings will also give several young guns a chance to shine, including Tuggeranong premiership-winning duo Len Ikitau and Noah Lolesio.
Hooker Josh Mann-Rea and back-rower Rob Valetini have recovered from hamstring and knee injuries, while Chance Peni is set to make his comeback after serving six-week suspension for a tip tackle.
NRC ROUND ONE
September 1: Canberra Vikings v Queensland Country at Viking Park, 5pm. Entry is free.
