Though she tried to keep it hidden from her students, Shakira Baker's second job was never going to stay secret for long.

The Manurewa High School teacher, Kiwi Fern, and Warriors forward saw her two worlds collide earlier in the season when the school's league team played curtain-raiser to the Warriors women, officially blowing her cover.

"I kept it quiet for a little bit, but they came down to the Hamilton game against the Knights. They were all screaming on the sideline, so it was really cool to have them there and that support."

Being exposed as a Warrior has, of course, seen her become much more popular at the school.

Baker admits balancing teaching with professional sport can be difficult, but she said being in the classroom helps keep her grounded throughout the NRLW season.

However, she is hopeful rugby league will eventually become a full-time profession for women.

"It's about having that going outside of rugby league, having that outlet. Being semi-professional is tiring but I can see where they're trying to take it in the long term and hopefully in the coming years we see it become a full-time competition."

In her second year at the Warriors after a decorated career in rugby union, the former Black Ferns Sevens star said the side was just beginning to gel after a tough run of injuries early in the year.

"It's been up and down a little bit, we're trying to get consistency. We've taken the learnings and just want to put our best foot forward."

Still a relative rookie in league, Baker knows she still has plenty more to learn.

"Having that first season, knowing what to expect, knowing what the body is gonna feel like and things like that. I'm still enjoying it, still loving being a part of this club and I am understanding the game a little bit more but still a lot to learn as well."

With the Warriors securing some big name signings in 2026, including Stacey Waaka and Mele Hufanga, Baker said they felt the expectations on the side grow.

"Their knowledge and the energy that they've brought in really sort of amped us ones coming in from last year. I'm not too sure if that put a target on our club or not. But we're really lucky to have that experience and their knowledge amongst us."

Though not a veteran in league, Baker brings 17 years of experience herself as a professional sportswoman.

Having started her career at 19 with the Wellington Farah Palmer Cup side, Baker went on to earn 13 test caps as well as Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup gold medals in Sevens.

She has no desire to return, however.

"Once I hung up the rugby boots and put my rugby league boots on, that was the decision I made, that I want to see that through long term. There's no thinking I want to make a switch back."

While leadership doesn't come naturally for her, Baker is a natural mentor for the team's younger players.

"I've been involved in sport for a very long time but I'm sort of a person of few words so I just go out there and do it and if it rubs off on them, it rubs off on them. They keep me young."

She also understands the sporting journey is not all smooth sailing, having also faced her fair share of adversity.

In 2013, Baker was diagnosed with Long QT syndrome, a heart condition which brings an increased risk of fainting, seizures, or sudden death during physical activity.

With her playing future under threat, Baker underwent surgery and has fortunately continued her career without incident.

"I was signed off by the cardiologist and I don't have to take medication and things like that, I still have the condition but it's non-symptomatic so it's all fine."

However, Baker must always have a defibrillator close by, though it is now largely precautionary.

"I'm most likely to use it on someone else than myself at the moment."

As seen on rnz.co.nz