Penca received recognition of a solid performance in the 2015 John I Dent Cup campaign and has been selected for the Vikings, National Rugby Championship (NRC) squad along with Brumbies prop Les Makin.

"I'm very happy and privileged to be apart of it, I've worked very hard throughout the year," Penca said.

"It will be great to train in a semi-professional environment- it's an intensive program, we're training four to five times a week, but I'm loving the fact that I can see a physio when I need or have strapping or have someone who will tell me what foods I should be eating.

"I'll also be playing with blokes that play professionally, so it will give me a chance to test myself."

Prop Neori Nadruku, lock Toby Wilson, No. 8 OJ Noa, half Mitch Douch, centre Billy Chalker and winger Melani Tiatia have been selected for the ACT Griffins squad on the back of strong performances this season.

Queanbeyan not only have six players in Griffins colours, but also Whites coach Adam Fahey, who will step into the backs coaching position and Bob Brady who will hold the team manager role- a feat that shows a lot of potential for the future of the club, Penca said.

"We have six blokes who are younger players that have been selected for the Griffins who get a chance to play at a higher level and there are probably others who were unlucky not to get selected," he said.

"To be selected at that level at their ages is good for them and will be good for the club next year. It puts their name out there, it's good for their confidence and I'll be looking for them to step up next year at pre season training."

The Griffins were traditionally the ACT representative side up until the introduction of the NRC and the takeover by Tuggeranong- they will play curtain-raisers to the NRC matches.

Speaking as a great club man and leader Penca said he is pleased to have made it into the UC Vikings squad, after playing in Canada last year and missing the inaugural NRC- he looks to improve his own game, but is also hoping he can bring something back to the Whites for the 2016 season.

"It'll no doubt increase my skill, fitness and strength- hopefully I'll crack into the match day 22," Penca said.

"I won't have to be the front man [with the Vikings], normally I have to make sure I'm performing as well as improving the other 14 blokes.

"This way I'll be able to see how other players lead and hopefully pick up some things for next year."The Griffins play their first game against the Eagles B in Sydney on August 29, a curtain-raiser to the Vikings Greater Sydney rams match, and their first home game against the Rams B at Erindale on September 5.