In 2015, Rota returned to rugby league after a three-year break. On 3 May 2015, she made her debut for New Zealand, coming off the bench in a 14–22 loss to Australia.[3] On 6 May 2016, she started at hooker for New Zealand in their 26–16 win over Australia.[4]
On 22 February 2020, she captained the Māori All Stars in their 4–10 loss to the Indigenous All Stars.[10] Rota withdrew from the 2020 NRL Women's season due to family and work commitments.[11]
On 1 December 2021, Rota signed with the Newcastle Knights to be a part of their inaugural NRLW squad.[12] In February 2022, she was announced as one of the club captains.[13]
In Round 1 of the delayed 2021 NRL Women's season, Rota made her club debut for the Knights against the Parramatta Eels.[14] She played in 4 matches for the Knights, before parting ways with the club at the end of the season.[15]