Not because she was a teenager getting a taste of representative rugby in New Zealand - but because by her side was her mother Tui, complete with a matching jumper, shorts and socks.

The coach so often barking the instructions to the unlikely pair of teammates? Marsh-Aviga's father.

Fast forward about 20 years and there is one thing keeping the 38-year-old Uni-Norths Owls hooker going.

Not the chance to lead Uni-Norths to an ACT rugby women's grand final win over the Canberra Royals.

Not the chance to build on the 150-game milestone she will reach at Viking Park on Saturday. It's something far more meaningful.

"I've got a niece who is probably going to start playing next year, so hopefully I'll get a couple of games with her before I retire," Marsh-Aviga said.

MORE CANBERRA SPORT

Marsh-Aviga's younger sister Paremo might be there too, having taken this season off to have a baby. Their older sister and former coach Keti won't be far away.

You quickly get the sense rugby is a family affair.

"Mum and dad are quite football mad. My mum used to play, I actually played with my mum as well at club and representative level, and my dad coached us," Marsh-Aviga said.

"It was something we just automatically stepped into. Just because of how we were brought up, we were always going to play football.

"I played for Northland in New Zealand with my mum at representative level, from when I was 15 until about 18. My mum played up until she was about 40, so I've still got a few years left to go.

"I've probably got a couple of years left, hopefully, if my body doesn't burn out on me."

After that? It might be time to trade football boots for clipboards because her four-year-old son Matariki isn't far from pulling on a rugby jersey himself - and he is going to need a coach.

But before then Marsh-Aviga's niece Emerina will graduate into a senior program almost unrecognisable compared to the one her aunt walked into 15 years ago.

It was a time when players were funding their own way to national tournaments. Resources were scarce and local clubs were lucky to string a team of 10 players together.

Now Uni-Norths boast teams in Canberra's XV and 10-a-side competitions with women from all walks of life - "there's lawyers, there's tradies, there's journalists".

The one-time Wallaroo and ACT Brumbies Super W hooker still struggles to comprehend how much the landscape has changed.

"The difference is so massive now. Before, girls would have to pay to get to nationals, and now pretty much everything is paid for," Marsh-Aviga said.

"It's unbelievable. If you talk to all of the old girls who still play, they'll say the same thing. It's incredible, the support we get now."

JOHN I DENT CUP GRAND FINAL DAY

Saturday: John I Dent Cup - Canberra Royals v Tuggeranong Vikings at Viking Park, 3.25pm.

Second grade - Tuggeranong Vikings v Gungahlin Eagles at Viking Park, 1.25pm.

Colts - Canberra Royals v Queanbeyan Whites at Viking Park, 11.35am.

Women's - Uni-Norths Owls v Canberra Royals at Viking Park, 1.15pm.

First Division first grade - Gungahlin Eagles v Goulburn at Viking Park, 11.25am.

First Division second grade - Queanbeyan Whites v Wests at Viking Park, 9.35am.