He also happens to be Randwick's former Intrust Super Shute Shield skipper, he spent time in the National Rugby Championships spotlight too, and he's just been named to skipper Central West's NSW Country Rugby Union Championship campaign too.

After rupturing his ACL in the Blue Bulls' 2018 Caldwell Cup effort Mark Baldwin will finally make his long-awaited return on Saturday and for many he's seen as the man who can turn Roos' stuttering season around, along with the Blue Bulls' linchpin.

Baldwin himself is much more reserved though, he just wants to get through Saturday's round seven clash.

"It's a bit nerve-wracking," Baldwin admitted.

"I just hope my knee holds up, that's all I wish."

A marquee arrival last year, Baldwin immediately showed what he was capable of on the side of Roos' scrum but his debut season was cut short 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.

He will start at No. 8 for the Roos' clash with defending premiers Orange Emus at No. 1 Oval, although he's expected to wear No.7 in Central West's title bid at Tamworth next month.

"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.

"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."

Emus coach Pete Bromley has been forced to make a few changes to the side that hammered Forbes 59-17 last weekend, thanks to injury.

Former NSW Country Cockatoos lock Nick Hughes-Clapp (shoulder) is sidelined and so is five-eighth Matt Campbell (hamstring), with Rob Thorburn and Jamil Khalfan returning to the side as a result.

Thorburn will play on the side with Simon Badgery moving into the second row to partner unsung hero Sam McLean.

Kick-off at No. 1 Oval on Saturday is 3.15pm.