The Cook Islands will face Australia for the first time on Saturday night in Townsville, a historic occasion captain KL Iro says makes him proud.
"The population of Australia is 28 million and in Cook Islands we have less than 18,000," Iro said.
At 26, he has become one of Cronulla's leading centres and played 61 NRL matches.
Before the 2022 World Cup, Iro had made just one NRL appearance and was playing NSW Cup for Newtown.
"After the last World Cup I really kicked on after playing for the Cook Islands," he told AAP.
He impressed in a victory over Wales and a defeat to Papua New Guinea, and said the tournament helped his career take off.
Iro also hopes the current side's four World Cup debutants can benefit from representing the Cook Islands.
Winger Esom Ioka scored three tries against New Zealand last week before suffering a torn calf. He is set to join Brisbane on a train-and-trial deal next year.
Coach Karmichael Hunt called it "a privilege" to coach Iro, who had been considered for the Kiwis before choosing to captain the Cook Islands.
The Aitu led New Zealand 16-12 in Christchurch before losing 82-16.
"I said after the game that it was the happiest I have ever been in my life," Iro said, recalling the moment the Cook Islands went ahead.
"For a little country like the to be playing Australia is pretty special and I hold that high in my heart. It makes me really proud."