Strong culture at the core of belief for new Jillaroo Butler
Two games into her international career, Rima Butler has taken no time to find her feet, knowing she has not only earned her place in the Jillaroos team as a player, but there is space for her to be herself.
Born in Minto, New South Wales to New Zealand parents, Butler debut in the win Pacific Championships win against Samoa, before backing up that effort in the tough 10-4 win over the Kiwi Ferns at Auckland’s Eden Park, with Butler playfully admitting she wasn’t sure what colour her family would be wearing in the crowd.
“It’s a different feeling for me, because this is my 'home away from home',” Butler said.
“Having my family there (at Eden Park), even though they're probably wearing Kiwi Ferns jerseys, they still support me when I play whatever team I play for.
“It's really special to be able to run out here in New Zealand and play for this green and gold jersey, but still have my family there to support me.”
Already a premiership-winner with the Newcastle Knights in 2023; the Māori All Stars representative enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, proving a key member of the Sydney Roosters side in their charge to the minor premiership, while also featuring in the extended training squad for the New South Wales Blues State of Origin squad with coach John Strange.
Speaking previously about her decision to declare her international allegiance to Australia, Butler - who represents her Te Rarawa iwi in the Māori All Stars team - said the way the Jillaroos team embraced the diverse background of the players in a true representation of a multicultural Australia had been inspiring.
With coach Jess Skinner, assistant coach Alicia-Kate Hawke and lock Olivia Kernick also sharing Māori heritage, the experience of being welcomed to the city with a pōwhiri at the Ōrākei Marae was an extra special one for the Jillaroos, who were able to express their thanks by singing Torres Strait Islands hymn ‘Baba Waiar’.
“Jess and the staff do a really great job at acknowledging everyone's culture and it means a lot for all the girls,” Butler said.
“For me, it was really special to be able to have a pōwhiri and be welcomed to this land and to see the other girls go through a pōwhiri probably for the first time in their lives was really special and I loved it.
“(Before my Jillaroos debut) I was nervous to come in, but I knew that I was picked for a reason, so they back how I play and who I am as a person.
“I know a few of these girls because I’ve played with them which made it easier for me to transition in.
“I know that every girl here is so supportive and they really lift each other up whether you're playing or not playing.
“Everyone's there to help you and it's just great and the staff are so professional and everyone's so professional and that it's a really safe space like I really feel good.
“I feel I am able to be myself.
“I like to bring the vibes – me and Sala (Sarah Togatuki) – but I really love it and they just let me be me.
“That's when I play my best footy, when they let me be me.
“Everyone's really on board with that and I love it.”
The premiership-winning prop is looking forward to facing off again the Kiwi Ferns in this Sunday’s Pacific Championships final, after the Jillaroos edged their opponents in their tight pool match.
“We knew they'd come out firing, so we were going on set-for-set with them and they did well to hold us out and just have us at 6-0 at halftime.
“I am looking forward to playing them again.
“I know we can lift another level and I know they probably will too, because it's the final.
“We've got a lot to give, a lot more to give then what we did (at Eden Park).
“But we did well, and I'm super proud of the girls that stayed out there and battled on (and how we dealt with) all the injuries that we've had.
“We got the job done and I'm stoked.”
Match: Jillaroos v Kiwi Ferns
Final -
home Team
Jillaroos
1st Position
away Team
Kiwi Ferns
2nd Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
- Be part of the action! Get your Pacific Championships tickets HERE
