It will be a perfectly-timed boost for the Brumbies as they relaunch their season and prepare to be Australia's only team in the play-offs. More importantly for Lealiifano, it's a giant step forward in his recovery after his world was shattered when tests in August last year revealed he had cancer. News of Lealiifano's illness rocked the rugby world and some feared the 19-Test Wallaby would never play again. Lealiifano rated himself just a "30 per cent chance" of being able to play a role in the 2017 season after being told he would require a bone-marrow transplant in October. But the inspirational leader has steadily ticked off milestones, including his first game in an exhibition match in Singapore two weeks ago and a fourth-grade Canberra game alongside brother Lix last weekend.

Lealiifano's treatment wasted away his muscle and he lost nine kilograms during chemotherapy and hospital stints. He was monitored for 100 days in Melbourne following a bone-marrow transplant "gift" from sister Sally before returning to the Brumbies gym in February. The 29-year-old is almost back to his 95 kilogram playing weight and he met with Larkham earlier this week to discuss a comeback plan. It's understood Lealiifano was cleared for a professional return and Larkham was keen to have his skipper and chief playmaker back in the squad.

Larkham will finalise the bench on Wednesday with Lealiifano likely to fill the back-up playmaker role for a cameo in the second half against the Reds. It will be a heart-warming moment for Australian rugby, but Lealiifano is determined to ensure the focus is on the Brumbies' title charge rather than his playing status. "My journey is very much an ongoing process and I am mindful of taking each day as it comes," Lealiifano said after playing in Singapore two weeks ago. "The Brumbies as an organisation have been incredibly supportive towards me and my family and the messages I have received from players, officials and supporters have been overwhelming." Lealiifano has eased his way back into Brumbies training, starting with a modified gym program and being a waterboy before injecting himself into field sessions.

His 117 games and 10 years of experience will be a handy inclusion as the Brumbies chase a drought-breaking championship. Lealiifano is considered the spiritual leader of the Brumbies and was named co-captain with Sam Carter despite doubts surrounding his ability to play this year. The clash against the Reds will give Lealiifano a chance to test himself before the finals. Larkham is expected to pick a full-strength starting XV for the game, while Tomas Cubelli is also expected to make his comeback from a knee injury and Ben Alexander will become the most-capped player in Brumbies history. "The whole process [Lealiifano] has gone through has just shown the world what we already knew," Alexander said.

"The guys that know Christian know what a bubbly, positive, friendly, caring person he is. We already knew that and now everyone can see what an incredibly human he is. "We're just grateful to have him a part of our team, leading our team. "I saw what [former Brumby and Wallaby] Julian Huxley went through a long time ago and he came back and played. I thought it was possible [for Lealiifano to comeback]. "It comes down to what Christian thinks and judging by his attitude he always thought he'd be back. I think if you watched that Singapore game, you'd say he's ready to rumble. "I know Christian will be welcomed with open arms, not just by us, but the whole of world rugby. I think most of Canberra would have a big smile on Canberra if they see him run out."