York Valkyrie have earned their place in the 2026 Women's Super League Grand Final, where they will take on defending champions Wigan Warriors after a commanding 12-0 semi‑final victory at Headingley against Leeds Rhinos. The final is set for Sunday, 27 September, with a 5:30 p.m. kickoff at the Brick Community Stadium and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The turnaround for York has been nothing short of dramatic. Just weeks earlier the Valkyrie suffered heavy defeats – a 38‑16 loss to Leeds on 8 August and a 44‑0 drubbing at the hands of Wigan on 15 August. Since those setbacks the side has reinvented itself, stringing together a series of impressive wins: a home triumph over Leeds, an away victory at St Helens, and a hard‑fought win over Wigan before clinching the semi‑final.
The semi‑final itself began cautiously, with the first 21 minutes ending scoreless as both teams tested each other's defenses. York broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Liv Wood displayed remarkable agility, twisting past defenders and grounding the ball for a try.
Tara‑Jane Stanley added the conversion, giving the Valkyrie an early 6‑0 lead. Leeds pressed hard as the half drew to a close and seemed poised to score when Ruby Walker attempted a grubber kick in the dying seconds. The kick was poorly executed, allowing Stanley to swoop in, collect the ball and sprint clear for a second try.
She then slotted a long‑range penalty three minutes before the break, extending York's advantage to 8‑0. The second half began with York looking to consolidate their lead.
Eight minutes in, Stanley broke through the defensive line and appeared to score a second try, which would have put York comfortably ahead. However, the Video Referee reviewed the footage and determined that she lost control of the ball while grounding it, nullifying the score. Undeterred, York's defense held firm as Leeds launched a series of attacks.
At the hour mark, Georgia Elliston of Leeds powered over for a try, only for the Video Referee to overturn it for obstruction. York responded decisively when Adaoha Akwiwu intercepted a short pass from Stanley and sprinted to the try line, sealing a 12‑0 victory.
Leeds made a final push in the closing minutes. Ebony Stead appeared to cross the line for a try that would have given the Rhinos a glimmer of hope, but once again the Video Referee intervened, ruling that she had lost possession before grounding the ball. The match ended with York victorious, but the celebration was tempered by news that Stanley, the night’s standout performer, had failed a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and would miss the Grand Final. York head coach Leon Pryce spoke to Sky Sports after the game, expressing disbelief at the team's resurgence: "This is unbelievable.
Nobody gave us a chance. Everyone had written us off, and last week they were saying it was going to be another Saints vs Leeds game after Saints won here. We read the comments and used that as fuel. I don't think we got the respect we deserved, but they've been unbelievable.
To come to Leeds in a semi‑final against a really good squad and keep them to zero just shows. It was going to be about grit, toughness and determination. Against all odds we've got there and I couldn't be more proud. I've been proud of them all season, but the last four or five weeks we've really turned a corner and we don't want the season to end." On the opposite side, Wigan Warriors are poised to dominate the upcoming Woman of Steel awards.
Three of their players—Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter, and Megan Williams—have been shortlisted for the prestigious individual honour. Foubister, the 19‑year‑old half‑back, finished the season with nine tries in 18 appearances and delivered a Player of the Match performance in the Women's Challenge Cup Final at Wembley, where she created two tries and supplied three line‑break assists. Eva Hunter, the reigning Woman of Steel, continued her prolific form, crossing for 23 tries across all competitions.
The dynamic second‑rower made history by becoming the first woman to score four tries in a Challenge Cup Final at Wembley, showcasing her speed, power, and defensive tenacity throughout the campaign. Megan Williams, a forward who joined Wigan from St Helens ahead of the 2025 season, has quickly become a cornerstone of the Warriors.
In her first two seasons, she has been remarkably consistent, scoring four tries during the Super Four phase and playing a vital role in Wigan's push for another historic season. The Grand Final promises a clash of contrasting styles: York's gritty, underdog spirit versus Wigan's experience and star power. Fans can watch the showdown live on Sky Sports on 27 September, with kickoff scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
at the Brick Community Stadium. The match will not only decide the champion of the 2026 Women's Super League but also set the stage for the upcoming awards ceremony, where the Woman of Steel will be crowned on 29 September in Manchester.