York Valkyrie have booked their place in the 2026 Women’s Super League Grand Final, earning a 12-0 triumph over Leeds Rhinos in a decisive semi‑final at Headingley. The victory sets up a showdown with defending champions Wigan Warriors at the Brick Community Stadium on Sunday, 27 September, with kickoff slated for 5:30 p.m. on Sky Sports.
The journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable for York. Just weeks earlier the Valkyrie suffered heavy defeats – a 38-16 loss to Leeds on 8 August and a 44-0 drubbing by Wigan on 15 August. Those setbacks could have defined their season, but instead the side rallied, stringing together wins against Leeds at home, a hard‑fought away victory over St Helens, and a crucial league win over Wigan before clinching the semi‑final.
The match itself began cautiously, with the first 21 minutes at Headingley ending without points as both sides tested each other’s defenses. York finally broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Liv Wood displayed her agility, twisting past defenders and grounding the ball for a try.
Tara‑Jane Stanley added the conversion, putting the Valkyrie ahead 6‑0. Leeds pressed hard as the half‑hour drew to a close, coming within inches of the try‑line. A last‑minute grubber kick from Ruby Walker, however, was mishit, allowing Stanley to collect the loose ball and sprint clear for a second try.
She then slotted a long‑range penalty, extending the lead to 8‑0 with just three minutes remaining before the break. The second half opened with York looking to consolidate their advantage. Stanley surged forward eight minutes in and appeared to score a second try, but the Video Referee reviewed the footage and determined she had lost control of the ball while grounding it, nullifying the effort. Leeds responded with a burst of attacking play, but the Valkyrie defense held firm, preserving the two‑score margin.
At the 60‑minute mark, Leeds’ Georgia Elliston powered over the line, only for the Video Referee to intervene again, this time citing obstruction and overturning the try. York then sealed the win when Adaoha Akwiwu broke through on a short pass from Stanley, touching down to make the score 12‑0.
Leeds fought back in the closing stages; Ebony Stead seemed to cross for a try in the final six minutes, but a third Video Referee decision of the night ruled the score out, citing loss of control in the act of grounding. The match ended with York maintaining a clean sheet, a testament to their defensive discipline. The victory was bittersweet for York, however, as Stanley – the night’s standout performer – failed a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and was ruled out of the Grand Final.
Coach Leon Pryce spoke to Sky Sports after the game, reflecting on the team’s improbable turnaround: "This is unbelievable. Nobody gave us a chance. Everyone wrote us off, and just last week people were saying it would be another Saints versus Leeds affair after Saints won here. We read the comments and used them as fuel.
I don’t think we got the respect we deserved, but the support has been incredible. To travel to Leeds and hold them to zero shows the grit, toughness and determination of this group.
Against all odds we’ve made it, and I couldn’t be prouder. The last four or five weeks have seen us turn a corner, and we’re not ready for the season to end yet." While York prepares for the final, Wigan Warriors are already in the spotlight for individual accolades.
Three of their players – Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter and Megan Williams – have been shortlisted for the prestigious Woman of Steel award, which will be presented at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester on 29 September. Nineteen‑year‑old half‑back Jenna Foubister has been a linchpin in Wigan’s attack, tallying nine tries in 18 appearances across all competitions this season.
Her influence was on full display in the Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley, where she earned Player of the Match honours by creating two tries and delivering three line‑break assists as the Warriors lifted the trophy for the second time. Eva Hunter, the reigning Woman of Steel, continued her prolific form under coach Denis Betts, crossing the line 23 times in all competitions. The dynamic second‑rower’s speed, power and defensive intensity have been instrumental, and she made history by becoming the first woman to score four tries in a Challenge Cup Final at Wembley.
Megan Williams, a key loose forward for Wigan, has cemented her reputation over her first two seasons with the club. Since joining from St Helens ahead of the 2025 campaign, the England Knights international has been a consistent workhorse, adding four tries during the Super Four phase and helping the Warriors maintain their push for another historic season. The Grand Final promises a clash of contrasting narratives: a York side that has defied expectations and a Wigan outfit that looks to dominate both collectively and individually.
Fans can tune in to Sky Sports on Sunday, 27 September, at 5:30 p.m. to watch what is set to be a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 Women’s Super League season.