LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken

Harata's Hamilton homecoming: Keep this feeling for the rest of my life

On Saturday night, no player is likely to experience deeper emotions than Harata Butler as she steps onto the field for the One New Zealand Warriors' significant NRLW Indigenous Round match against Canberra in Hamilton (Kirikiriroa).

At 32, Butler is intensely proud of her Waikato roots and Māori heritage. Last weekend, she had the privilege of leading the One New Zealand Warriors onto Accor Stadium for their match against Canterbury Bankstown. This moment held immense significance for her, but her emotions are expected to run even higher this week as she walks onto FMG Stadium Waikato to honor the second week of Indigenous Round. This occasion is further enhanced by the Warriors' introduction of Te Kahu Here, their first-ever Indigenous Round jersey.

Butler's performance last Saturday was outstanding, as she delivered two impressive stints during the team's record 34-6 victory over the Bulldogs. She commemorated this personal milestone by racking up the highest number of metres (143) and post-contact metres (68) of any player on the field.