Kata is believed to be the front-runner to start on the wing for the ACT Brumbies' round-one clash against the Queensland Reds on Friday night.

The power-running back made an immediate and lasting impression in his return to rugby last week, carrying defenders across the advantage line every time he touched the ball.

His selection sets the stage for a showdown with former ACT cult hero Henry Speight, who left the Brumbies at the end of last year to take a chance in Brisbane.

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar will name his side on Wednesday morning, with several spots up for grabs after a changing of the guard last year.

Noah Lolesio and Bayley Kuenzle are competing for the No. 10 jersey, while Andy Muirhead, Toni Pulu and Tom Wright and battling to be Kata's wing partner.

Kata has been likened to Wellington Hurricanes weapon Ngani Laumape, who is used as a midfield battering ram and has been a damaging runner since quitting the NRL.

Kata, 25, scored 46 tries in his 93 games for the New Zealand Warriors before joining the Melbourne Storm halfway through last year.

His first impression was perfectly timed, with Wallabies coach Dave Rennie visiting the Brumbies yesterday as part of his Super Rugby franchise tour before stepping into the role.

"He's got a whole lot of positives to his game - his ball carry, he's dynamic and his wide breakdown work is damaging," McKellar said after the first trial last week.

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"Is he the finished product? Of course not. But is he ready to play Super Rugby? Yeah."

Lachlan McCaffrey returned to Canberra this week after spending the off-season in Japan and is available for selection, but he will be competing with Tom Cusack, Will Miller and Jahrome Brown for back-row spots.

The Brumbies will play their first three games at home and will be aiming to extend their Canberra winning streak to nine when they host the Reds in the season-opener.

The club is trying to re-engage with Canberra supporters this year and have invited fans to the final training session at Canberra Stadium on Thursday to start rebuilding bridges.

"Historically the teams that have won the comp have always had a good home record," said prop Scott Sio, the equal longest-serving player in the squad.

"That's no different for us this year. It's the people we play for - the Canberra community. They're the ones who turn up to fill up the stands, you want to make sure you're representing them well and connecting with those people.

"We're fortunate we've got three home games to really start that up for 2020."

But Sio admitted it would be "weird" seeing Speight in a Queensland jersey for the first time after more than 100 games for the Brumbies.

"I'm sure the crowd will welcome him back as long as he doesn't score too many tries," Sio grinned.

SUPER RUGBY ROUND ONE

Friday: ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm