The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have agreed to a two-year NRLW contract with Harata Butler, running through the 2025 season.
A powerhouse Kiwi-born front-rower, Butler enjoyed an impressive maiden NRLW campaign with the Sharks in 2023.
In eight games for the Sharks, she averaged 63 running metres and broke the 100-metre barrier twice.
The 31-year-old had a delayed start to her NRLW career. Butler starred for the Warriors at the 2020 NRL Nines only for COVID-19 to strike and leave her rugby league career in limbo.
Butler made the decision to return to Australia in late-2022 and was rewarded for strong Harvey Norman NSW Premiership form with a one-year deal with the Sharks.
Butler is also a two-time representative for the Maori All Stars, including the 16-12 victory over the Indigenous All Stars in 2023.
“Harata is a powerful forward who we believe will add some defensive resilience and impact through the middle third of the field, which we feel our team lacked at times last season,” Head of NRLW and Women’s Elite Pathways Anita Creenaune said.
“She has a great work ethic and expects the same from her teammates. Her drive to compete will be an enormous asset as we continue building the standards expected from our team.
“Harata’s maturity and connection to culture will only enhance the relationships and support networks our players created in our inaugural season.”
Butler said she was excited to relocate to North Queensland.
“I am really grateful for the opportunity to join the Cowboys whānau, club and community,” she said.
“I appreciate the genuine expression of interest and belief they’ve shown in me, which I hope brings out the best of me.
“I’m looking forward to experiencing life and footy further out of the big cities and in the smaller communities of North Queensland.”
