Lloyd was named skipper of Wests this season and led the Lions on an unlikely charge to the John I Dent Cup decider against Royals.

The ACT Brumbies underage representative was part of the Vikings squad in 2015 but missed out on selection last year which saw him head north to the Sydney Rams.

Lloyd played just one game for the Rams - a loss against Canberra - but his stellar club form saw him force his way back into Viking colours this season.

"On the back of the success Wests had this season it led to a few guys getting picked and I was lucky enough to be one of them," Lloyd said.

"NRC is heaps faster with a lot more ball in play and there's some big guys running around, plus a few Wallabies. It's definitely a step up on the field and training as well, it's been unreal.

"Anyone playing NRC wants to take that next step definitely and I'd love to be at the Brumbies, I grew up supporting them and I'm definitely keen to play at that next level."

The Vikings will boast 50 Test caps when they host the Sydney Rays at Viking Park on Sunday and Lloyd admits it's surreal playing alongside international stars.

"Any time when you get a group of guys and Wallabies come in you might think there could be a divide of us and them but in this team we've gelled together really well," Lloyd said.

"Packing down scrums with Carts [Sam Carter] is pretty cool and Joe [Powell] was only a year above me at school so it's insane to think he's a Wallaby now.

"You just pinch yourself every day and take in as much as you can."

Lloyd has scored two tries this season after crossing against Perth Spirit and Fiji Drua and has honed his craft in recent years under some of the best minds in Australian rugby.

"Dan Palmer is our scrum coach and at the Brumbies and last year at the Rams Jeremy Paul was the forwards coach which was good learn from someone outside of the Brumbies system," Lloyd said.

"Then there's the other prop at Wests Ben Coutts who has been showing me the ins and outs and old school tricks. I'll be patient and keep learning and hopefully when my time comes I'll be ready."

Coutts played for the Brumbies and the Queensland Reds and backed Lloyd to crack into the professional ranks.

"He's strong enough, his work rate is fantastic and his scrummaging is exceptional. He has good technique and skills, he just needs an opportunity," Coutts said.

"He's a good ball carrier who puts on good shots, I'd like to see him get a chance at the Super Rugby level because he deserves it."