Saturday certainly marks one of those.

The 24-year-old will represent Cook Islands against Papua New Guinea and becomes one of three West Newcastle players featuring in Test matches this weekend.

He joins James Elias and Ben Stone, who are set to battle it out for Lebanon and Malta respectively at Cabramatta on the same afternoon.

And the selection means Baker will have someone make the trip across the Tasman from New Zealand capital Wellington to be in the stands at Campbelltown Sports Centre.   

“I’m honoured and grateful for the opportunity to represent Cook Islands,” Baker said.

“Whatever jersey I wear I always put in 100 per cent, but there’s a lot more meaning and background behind this one.

“It’s a chance to give back to the people and more so my family, so it means a lot to me. Mum [Lise] is coming over from New Zealand for it. She saw a couple of reserve grade games for the Knights last year, other than that it’s special occasions.”

Baker’s grandfather, on his mum’s side, is the family connection to Cook Islands.

The Cameron Park resident travelled back to the Pacific country for the first time in November for a tri-series, which was won by his Australian-based side.

The upcoming international will be Baker’s third for Cook Islands in the space of 12 months following an appearance against Lebanon and a World Cup qualifier with Tonga.  

But this will his first as part of the designated NRL representative weekend, kicking-off a triple header in Sydney that also features Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and England.

“It’s a great idea and gives exposure to littler islands,” Baker said.

“You get put out on a stage and it might even open up doors or more opportunities in NRL of Super League.”

Getting the call up, alongside former Knights teammate Sam Mataora, had been a goal for Baker since dropping back from the Newcastle’s NSW Cup squad following the 2016 season.

“One of my goals was to push for the Cooks Islands side,” he said.

“I know it would be hard, playing a lower level to everyone else. So I had to work harder and train harder and I’m glad I ticked that box. Now I want to help Wests back into the grand final and hopefully, out of this game, try and get some interest from other NRL clubs or get back into the Knights system next year.”

Wests coach Matt Lantry said he was hopeful Baker, Elias and Stone would back up and play for the undefeated team against Lakes at Harker Oval on Sunday.