Nadruku's Queanbeyan Whites face Lomax's Tuggeranong Vikings for the third time this year, with both sides claiming one win apiece – the biggest margin being just five points.

The pair packed down in the front row together for the St Edmunds First XV, Brumbies under-20s, and both represented Australia at junior level. Their fathers played international rugby league for different countries.

Lomax's father John was a front-rower. But that's about where the similarities end. Nadruku's father, Noa, was a two-time Dally M Winger of the Year renowned for his speed.

"I've still got some pace," Nadruku laughed.

"If I find myself in a hole then I'll turn it on, but I have to find the hole first. If there's a hole big enough I'll turn it on then."

The coming fortnight will serve as Lomax's last hurrah in the John I Dent Cup, with the promising youngster set to link with the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby next season.

While playing a different code, the Vikings tighthead prop is forging a similar path to that of his father John, who left Canberra to play at the Cowboys –where he linked up with Noa Nadruku once more – before finishing his NRL career with a stint in Melbourne.

It is a move that Lomax admits is "scary", but is thrilled about the prospect of playing Super Rugby in Melbourne.

"This is where all the family is," Lomax said.

"This is where I've lived for the last five years. To be a 20-year-old moving out of home, it's pretty scary, [but Melbourne] is somewhere I can see myself."

Nadruku says the news of Lomax's Rebels deal was "awesome", and believes that it will make the Tuggeranong youngster even hungrier to add a John I Dent Cup win to his resume.

"It'll be a big one," Nadruku said.

"It'll be good to play against him."

Queanbeyan, who have welcomed Robbie Coleman and Les Makin back into the fold after the Brumbies' Super Rugby exit, will have benefited from a week's rest leading into the finals.

"Some see it as a bit of a down point," Nadruku said.

"I kind of like it, it gets everyone recharged. Everyone focuses back on basics instead of worrying too much about the game."

Bolstered by the inclusions of Joe Powell, Jarrad Butler and Jordan Jackson-Hope, Tuggeranong enter the game after last weekend's gruelling two-point loss to Royals, and Nadruku believes the outcome "will depend on who can play the 80".

"[We had a good chance to] relax ahead of three tough weeks of footy … well hopefully just two."

The winner of the major semi-final moves straight into the John I Dent Cup grand final, while the loser faces the winner of Sunday's minor semi-final between Gungahlin and Royals.

JOHN I DENT CUP

Saturday: Major Semi-Final – Tuggeranong Vikings v Queanbeyan Whites at Viking Park, 3:25pm

Sunday: Minor Semi-Final – Gungahlin Eagles v Royals at Viking Park, 3:20pm