CommBank Matildas defender Charlie Rule reflected on only her second appearance for the senior national team, saying that she feels honoured to be a part of the squad.
She helped the side keep a clean sheet in their 4-0 win against IR Iran on Thursday evening and the 23-year-old looked as composed as a veteran.
“It was pretty special. It was a great atmosphere, and I feel very happy to play in my first major tournament,” she said.
“I felt very supported by the girls, and it was good to come away with the win.”
Rule made her debut back in 2023 but had to battle through serious injury in 2024/25 that saw her miss most of the season for her club, Brighton & Hove Albion. She recovered to take the league by storm during this campaign and earn her place back with the CommBank Matildas.
She said that her senior teammates had simple advice before the game.
“They just said to be calm, composed, stay balanced and enjoy the moment, because it's a big occasion that I've worked hard for,” she recalled.
One of those players was Alanna Kennedy. The experienced defender lined up in the centre of midfield today, and Rule said that it gave her confidence knowing that she had a player of the calibre of Kennedy in front of her.
“She's got unbelievable technique. I look up to her as a player, so it was nice to play with her,” she said.
“It gave me confidence, having her in front of me. I learned a lot from her, and I will continue to. Tonight, I focused on myself and did all I could to help the team.”
She hopes that the team will inspire a new generation of players during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.
“The older girls have paved the way through the last World Cup here on home soil,” she said.
“I'm really excited to be a part of this team after what they've done. I feel very honoured, and it's nice to have so much support here, so many people watching, and I hope to inspire more people.”
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™
CommBank Matildas 1 v 0 Philippines
Date: Sunday, 1 March 2026
IR Iran 0 v CommBank Matildas 4
Date: Thursday, 5 March 2026
CommBank Matildas v Korea Republic
Date: Sunday, 8 March 2026
Venue: Stadium Australia, Sydney
Time: 8:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
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