But the naysayers have forgotten about a trio of Vikings players who view the competition as their career stepping stone.

Three childhood mates who have grown up playing rugby in the capital and can launch their Super Rugby dreams if the Vikings shock the Force in Perth.

Mack Hansen, Ryan Lonergan and Tom Ross have been together through Canberra's rugby junior ranks.

They've had a taste of Super Rugby this year, but the NRC is their chance to really shine.

"It's really special. I was part of the squad when we played the grand final in Canberra but I didn't get to play," Hansen said.

"To actually be in the team and play in the grand final with the boys is really special. A grand final always is, I'm really looking forward to it.

"Getting a starting role means a lot to me, especially that [Scrivener] has put confidence in me and hopefully I can get the job done."

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Hansen is rarely seen on the footy field without Ross and Lonergan.

The trio have known each other since they were 12-years-old. Hansen and Ross went from being Daramalan graduates to making their ACT Brumbies debuts together. Lonergan was the scrumhalf from the other side of town who joined them on representative trips.

But the NRC decider is arguably one of the biggest matches of their rugby careers as they look to boost their chances of more Super Rugby game time.

"It's special. They're two of my best friends and we've been playing together for so long," Hansen said.

"It's like being back to when we were kids.

"We actually won [the Junior Gold Cup] in Perth as well. We've got a good record there so hopefully we can continue it."

Hansen will start in the Vikings' No.11 jersey to replace Brumbies teammate Toni Pulu, who injured his hamstring during training earlier this week.

The 21-year-old joins Brumbies Tom Banks and Tom Wright in the back-row to create a striking force which has contributed seventeen tries this season. Hansen and Banks have scored five tries apiece while Wright has scored seven.

"We have confidence in one another which really helps," Hansen said.

"We're a contracted back-line, we've been training together and working really hard as a unit. For all our hard work to pay off is awesome, but you also have to give credit to the forwards.

"They've been giving us some front football as well and giving us opportunities to score those tries."

Coach Nick Scrivener has rotated the back three positions throughout the season due to injuries and Wallabies commitments.

Hansen has impressed in both starting roles and from the bench, including scoring a crucial 75^th minute try in the Vikings' clash with the Fijian Drua in round five.

"[Hansen] has played lots of footy and contributed really well when he's come off the bench and when he's started," Scrivener said.

"He's in really good form so he's going to add a lot on Saturday."

The Vikings have won four straight matches but suffered their last defeat to the Force at UWA Sports Park in round four.

The Force dominated the field and scored eight tries to the Vikings' four, denying the tourists a chance to utilise their effective outside backs.

"It's been a feature of our game and our try scoring profile is [with] our outside backs," Scrivener said.

"Given the Force score a lot of tries as well, it's going to be a game with some points in it and some footy thrown around. The back three are going to play a huge part of the game.

"They've got a rush-in defence, so they push out-wide. Going out-side early isn't on because they get a lot of intercepts.

"Certainly, the last time we played them we gave up an intercept try doing that. We have to take them on, commit and move them around before we look to use the ball."

The Force remain undefeated at home and will be heavy favourites to win the NRC title two years after being axed from Super Rugby.

"The thing they have over us is cohesion but I think we've got the team who can beat them," Hansen said.

"We've been looking at them through the week and bringing in some new stuff so hopefully it pays off for us."

NRC GRAND FINAL:

Saturday: Western Force v Canberra Vikings in Perth, 3pm (AEST)

Vikings: 1. Bo Abra, 2. Lachlan Lonergan, 3. Angus Wagner, 4. Blake Enever, (C) 5. Nick Frost, 6. Pete Samu, 7. Will Miller, 8. Angus Allen, 9. Ryan Lonergan, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Mack Hansen, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Len Ikitau, 14. Tom Wright, 15. Tom Banks. Reserves: 16. TP Luteru, 17. Fred Kaihea, 18. Tom Ross, 19. Will Sankey, 20. Luke Gersekowski, 21. Joe Powell, 22. Bayley Kuenzle, 23. Lincoln Smith

Force: 1. Harrison Lloyd, 2. Heath Tessmann, 3. Tom Sheminant, 4. Fergus Lee-Warner, 5. Jeremy Thrush, 6. Henry Stowers, 7. Carlo Tizzano, 8. Brynard Stander, 9. Issak Fines, 10. Andrew Deegan, 11. Jonah Placid, 12. Nick Jooste, 13. Pama Fou, 14. Byron Ralston, 15. Jack McGregor. Reserves: 16. Andrew Ready, 17. Cameron Orr, 18. Dom Hardman, 19. Ben Grant, 20. Tevin Ferris, 21. Rory O'Sullivan, Chris Tuatara-Morrison, 23. Jake Strachan.