Scott Sio's ACT Brumbies 'have a target on our back' ahead of Queensland Reds Super Rugby clash

The 30-year-old loosehead prop is off-contract at the end of the season and has been linked to a move as the Brumbies prepare to feel a salary cap squeeze.

But Sio says he is happy to let contract talks take a back seat as the Brumbies get set to return to the scene of Super Rugby heartache in a top-of-the-table clash at Lang Park on Saturday night.

The Brumbies will face the Queensland Reds behind enemy lines for the first time since last year's domestic final defeat, determined to stretch their lead atop the competition ladder.

"I don't really look too far past this season, I'm just enjoying life, enjoying footy. Brumbies hold a special place in my heart so for me the goal is always to play well and do my best for the club. Those [contract talks] are sort of things for later on down the track," Sio said.

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"Everything is always easier when you're winning, but at the end of the day it puts a target on your back so consistency becomes key there.

"We can't rest on our laurels there at the end of the day, we've got to keep moving forward, keep taking it one day at a time, and just looking forward to a good game on the weekend."

The Brumbies are set to welcome back an all-star front-row for a clash with a Reds outfit missing suspended prop Dane Zander this week.

Captain Allan Alaalatoa, James Slipper, Folau Fainga'a and Lachlan Lonergan are all in line to join Sio in the Brumbies' pack as the club chases its seventh win from as many starts.

Sio says the return of the club's regular starting front-row trio of Alaalatoa, Slipper and Fainga'a looms as a major coup for their second clash with the Reds in the space of 16 days.

"It's been immense. They have carried that combination on from Wallabies and they've been putting in some solid performances, week in, week out," Sio said.

"They're a big part of why we are where we are at the moment. We know for our set piece to flourish, the tight five need to be playing well. That's what I'm expecting from the boys this weekend."

Jesse Mogg is set to win the race to the No. 15 jersey vacated by Tom Banks, who is facing a four-week stint on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a fractured cheekbone on Tuesday.

But question marks remain over flyhalf Noah Lolesio, who will be given every chance to prove his fitness after suffering an ankle injury against the Reds during a narrow 16-12 win in round five.

Rod Iona looms as the man to fill the void if Lolesio is ruled out, having pulled the strings at flyhalf in a thrilling one-point win over the Western Force last week.

"He's a super personality within the group. He's so well-liked and you can see on the field, he naturally adapts to the way we want to play," Brumbies assistant coach Rod Seib said.

"The guys are really comfortable around him. When you have a 10 come in, you need someone players have a lot of confidence in and our players certainly do. If Rod gets any more opportunities throughout the season, we know he will take it with both hands.

"It's been a little while since we had a win up there so it's a really good challenge for us."

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC ROUND SEVEN

Saturday: Queensland Reds v ACT Brumbies at Lang Park, 7.45pm. Broadcast live on Stan Sport.

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