Mark Baldwin has only played a handful of matches in the last two years.
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Despite that, the eyes of most in Central West Rugby Union will be on him in the coming weeks.
For some he's considered the key man who can turn around the Dubbo Kangaroos' stuttering season, while for others he's the Central West representative captain who is capable of leading the Blue Bulls to country glory.
But for the man himself, it's much more low key.
"It's a bit nerve-wracking," he admits as he prepares to make his long awaited return from an ACL injury this weekend.
"I just hope my knee holds up, that's all I wish."
Baldwin was one of the marquee arrivals in the Blowes Clothing Cup last season, linking with Roos having previously captained Randwick's prestigious first grade side and played for the NSW Country Eagles.
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Following a 2017 season where he barely played after moving to Dubbo, Baldwin showed immediate promise as a player and leader.
However, just as his season was taking off it was cut short by a serious knee injury while on Central West representative duty in late April.
But after the type of intense and committed rehabilitation process which is far more common among professional athletes Baldwin will return this weekend, less than 12 months undergoing surgery.
More commonly known as a flanker, Baldwin will start at No. 8 for the Roos' clash with defending premiers Orange Emus at No. 1 Oval.
As well as that, he has also been named captain of the Central West Blue Bulls side which will contest this season's NSW Country Rugby Union Championship at Tamworth on the June long weekend.
"It's really exciting," Baldwin said of the coming weeks.
"I really haven't played much in two years ... it's been disjointed and a fair while between games so I'm really looking forward to it."
While he has barely featured on the park since moving to Dubbo, Baldwin has still been making his presence felt off it.
One of the most knowledgeable players in the region given the quality of rugby he has played, Baldwin has not only assisted the Roos coaches but he also took on a Central West assistant coaching role during the pre-season tour of New Zealand.
"It might sound weird but it was more satisfying than playing," Baldwin said of the coaching.
"I really enjoy helping out and I've been fortunate to work with some elite coaches and people out here don't always get the same opportunities so it's nice to pass that on.
"I get a kick out of it and I think one day in the future when my body is in tatters I'll be a coach."
While coaching is some way down the path, the immediate focus is on helping the Roos turn things around.
The Dubbo side has one just once in the opening six rounds and is already falling well off the pace in the race for finals.
The Roos are also coming off their worst result of the season, a 57-13 loss to the unbeaten Bathurst Bulldogs, and Baldwin just wants to promote one thing in his return.
"We've got to try and have fun," he said.
"When you get beat by a big score it's important to get back to having fun while playing.
"I know it's been an ordinary start to the season but hopefully we can turn things around.
"Last weekend was an anomaly and the few games before that were close ... it's just the little things letting us down."
Baldwin added his goal is to get through the next two rounds against Emus and Forbes unscathed before the focus switches to the Blue Bulls' campaign.
Kick-off at No. 1 Oval on Saturday is 3.15pm.