Under new administration, the renamed Canberra Vikings will look to build on the success of the Brumbies 2017 Super Rugby campaign and blood some exciting young talent in this year’s NRC.

After missing the playoffs in 2016, the likes of Sam Carter and Joe Powell will look to play their way back into a Wallabies jersey, alongside the best talent from Canberra’s John I Dent Cup.

“We’ve got a good balance of youth and experience which is something I think we’ve been lacking in the last few seasons. If we can build on that and gel well together as a side, it will be exciting to see what we can do,” Vikings playmaker Jordan Jackson-Hope told Rugby News.

“There are still some young guys pushing their case (for a Brumbies contract) next year plus some club players who are looking to be seen so it’s an interesting combo.”

Tim Sampson has been promoted to head coach after serving as an assistant last year and will be joined by Ruaidhri Murphy, Dan Hooper and Dan Palmer on the coaching staff. Former Australian Sevens forward Tom Cusack will start the season as captain.

“I think we’ll play a little more free flowing than a traditional Brumbies style. Most teams try to speed the game up in the NRC and I’d say we will try to do something similar and give the fans a good show,” Jackson-Hope added.

Player to watch – Andy Muirhead

“He’s had a really good year so far. He’s great great in attack and seems to know where to run and when to run and he usually beats the first defender so he’s one to keep an eye on,” Jackson-Hope said.

2017 Canberra Vikings NRC Squad: 

Robbie Abel, Angus Allen, Tom Banks, Max Bode, Tom Cusack (c), Sam Carter, James Dargaville, Fred Dorrough, Blake Enever, Folau Fainga’a, Lolo Fakaosilea, Mack Hansen, Wharenui Hawera, Ben Hyne, Len Ikitau, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Ben Johnston, Brodie Leber, Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin, Harry Lloyd, Ryan Lonergan, TP Luteru, George Morseau, Liam Mosely, Andrew Muirhead, Dean Oakman-Hunt, Michael Oakman-Hunt, Joe Powell, Liam Rasch, Andrew Robinson, Pedro Rolando, Faalelei Sione, Ernest Suavai, Darcy Swain, Lausii Taliauli, Sione Taula, Sam Thomas, Rob Valetini, Angus Wagner, Josh White.