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Sydney Roosters NSW Blues forward Rima Butler will play her final match for the club in the 2026 NRLW Grand Final before joining the Wests Tigers in 2027. The 28-year-old is determined to finish her Roosters tenure by winning a premiership after featuring in last year's grand final loss.
The 2026 NRLW Grand Final will mark the final match for Corban Baxter and Millie Elliott, but they won’t be the only Roosters stars departing the club.
After two seasons with the club, NSW Blues forward Rima Butler will pull on the Tricolours jersey for the final time - for now - when she runs out onto the field against the Brisbane Broncos on Sunday afternoon. Get the expert take on NRLW Grand Final Day with FOX LEAGUE’s extensive coverage, plus full and mini replays available post-game on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit.
For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.ahead of this year’s decider, she confirmed she has decided to link up with the Wests Tigers from 2027, a move that gives her the opportunity to return closer to home.
“I live out at South West Sydney so that’s probably been one of the main reasons, but I haven’t really thought about it too much. ” TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 05: Rima Butler of the Roosters is tackled during the round 10 NRLW match between North Queensland Cowboys and Sydney Roosters at Qld Country Bank Stadium, on September 05, 2026, in Townsville, Australia.
But before she farewells the Roosters, Butler has one final opportunity to leave her mark at the club. After featuring in last year’s grand final loss, the 28-year-old is determined to go one better this time around, win her first premiership, and bring her Roosters tenure to a fitting end.
“I take every week as it is. Sometimes I feel like I’ve got a bit of imposter syndrome when I’m looking back at it.
“I’m like, ‘OMG’. I played for this. It’s been my dream since I was little. I’ve watched Origin since I was a little girl and now to have played Origin and have played for the country “I’m like, ‘Wow, is this even my life?
’ This is crazy and now to be in another grand final and alongside the girls that we have is crazy. ”Previously at the Parramatta Eels and Newcastle Knights , Butler has also experienced the setbacks that have made her journey to another grand final all the more meaningful. Her final season at the Knights in 2024 ended in heartbreak after she suffered an MCL injury, which ruled he out of the finals series.
Away from the field, she has also navigated life as a mother with her son now in Year 1 and her family helping her juggle the demands of training, travel and game days.
“I remember my last year at the Knights, which was 2024. I did my MCL in that year and I wasn’t able to play the finals series, which was the one we lost to the Roosters,” she recalled.
“I had to watch it from the sidelines and it was tough coming back from that injury because I have my son as well. “My mum helps a lot with my son when I’m training and I’m away for games. He’s in school in Year 1 and now I’m balancing mum life and also working.
“Mum life and footy life. It gets a lot, but I enjoy it. The tough times get easier with the people around me. ” SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Rima Butler of the Roosters celebrates scoring a try during the NRLW Preliminary Final match between Sydney Roosters and Canberra Raiders at Allianz Stadium, on September 26, 2026, in Sydney, Australia.
Meanwhile, Butler, who can represent both Australia and New Zealand under the NRLW’s new eligibility rules, has said she intends to play for the Jillaroos at the upcoming World Cup.
“I made my debut for them last year and I’ve only just started my journey with them. ” However, she admitted she was open to representing the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns later in her career, but has no immediate plans to do so.
“Possibly, if I’m still kicking in five or ten if I’m still around and they still want to pick me,” she added.
Rima Butler Sydney Roosters Wests Tigers NRLW Grand Final NSW Blues
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