Cronulla centre KL Iro is determined to showcase his small Pacific nation of around 17,000 people at the upcoming World Cup.
Iro stands out as the most prominent active player from the Cook Islands, which is a self-governing territory associated with New Zealand situated between French Polynesia and American Samoa.
There are others with Cook Islander roots as well, including Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Brisbane premiership champ Xavier Willison, and retiring Canberra stalwart Josh Papali'i.
Papali'i is considering his final international appearance at this World Cup, potentially representing either the Cook Islands, which he has never played for, or Samoa, his team during the last two tournaments.
As Iro gears up for the finals with the fifth-placed Sharks, he's also focused on enhancing his efforts to recruit more players.
Nicoll-Klokstad and Willison, who are eligible for New Zealand, are key targets for Iro as he seeks to strengthen his nation's squad.
"I'm just hoping they can come join us and help us have a good strong campaign," Iro mentioned to AAP before the upcoming game against Gold Coast.
"They're probably still tossing up between if they make Kiwis or Cookies, but I think if the Kiwis opportunity doesn't come up, they'll come over to us for sure."
During a visit to Rarotonga last year while dealing with a pectoral injury, Iro's father, rugby league great Kevin Iro, encouraged him to recruit players for the Cook Islands.
Amid his recovery, Iro began reaching out to players with an eye toward the World Cup kicking off in October.
"My dad was pestering me to pester everyone so that's how it started. I was messaging all the boys and trying to get them over," he explained.
"I'll probably try to do the same closer to camp. But I'll try and focus in (on the Sharks) for now."
Val Holmes from St George Illawarra has already committed to playing for the Cook Islands, along with Marata Niukore and Davvy Moale, who were part of their last international match last year.
The Cook Islands will face a tough challenge, being in the same pool as New Zealand and Australia.
To advance to the knockout stage for the first time, they will need to defeat at least one of these two favorites.
"It's a big challenge for us hey, but I think the boys are all excited," Iro remarked.
"Obviously playing the best players in the world is a good opportunity for us to put the little nation on the map."