The Brumbies will play their first game of the year when they meet the Melbourne Rebels in a trial match in Albury on Thursday.

They are expected to start the week with a good news boost, with hooker Connal McInerney set to sign a contract extension to stay in the capital.

The former Australian junior representative is expected to commit to a new deal as early as Monday, continuing his partnership with Folau Faingaa in a strong hooker rotation.

Faingaa and McInerney will shoulder the bulk of the duties this year, but Lachlan Lonergan and highly-rated junior Billy Pollard waiting for their opportunity.

Faingaa, McInerney and Lonergan will blow out the cobwebs in the clash against the Rebels as Super Rugby coaches nervously wait to see how officials will react to a World Rugby edict.

World Rugby said last week referees will issue warnings for high tackles, with two high-risk tackle warnings leading to an automatic one-match suspension.

It was trialled at the under-20s world championship last year as part of concussion crackdown. World Rugby says it reduced concussions by more than 50 per cent.

But it has been met with resistance, and confusion, in Super Rugby ranks, with Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger revealing his frustration at being left out of the communication loop.

McKellar went straight to the top, seeking clarification from referees' boss Lyndon Bray.

MORE BRUMBIES NEWS

Yellow and red card incidents for incidental contact at the World Cup last year were met with widespread disdain for the way they ruined some contests.

"I was quick to get on to Lyndon and [he said] there was nothing that would impact the way they're refereeing," McKellar said.

"Around the high tackle there will be a commonsense approach. Accidents do happen in professional rugby, it's a contact sport and you've got big men moving quickly.

"We don't want to see guys going out there and whacking, or attacking blokes around the head.

"But in a collision sport played at high speed, every now and then someone slips or makes contact accidentally. Is that a red card? No, not in my eyes.

"That's all people want. You don't want to be ruining games like we saw at the World Cup, and certainly at the under-20s, by just pulling out red cards. It just has to be common sense."

The bulk of the Brumbies squad will be used in two trials against the Rebels, with coaches still weighing up selection options for round one against the Queensland Reds on January 31.

Twelve-Test Wallaby Folau Faingaa will be the starting rake barring injury, with McInerney as his back-up.

McKellar praised McInerney for making the most of his Super Rugby chances in the past two years, which paved the way for the 24-year-old to earn a contract extension.

"I'm really happy for him. He hasn't been given the red-carpet treatment, he's worked hard for it. I love those players, they show resilience," McKellar said.

"He's not the biggest hooker but he's got a big future ahead of him. He's got a high work-rate, is fit and he's got a good set piece. He'll challenge Folau."

Lock Blake Enever (Achilles) is battling to be fit for the first game of the season in a blow to the Brumbies' search for big men to replace Rory Arnold and Sam Carter.

SUPER RUGBY TRIAL

January 23: ACT Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels at Greenfield Park, Albury. Game one at 3.45pm, game two at 6.15pm.

SUPER RUGBY ROUND ONE

January 31: ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.