York Valkyrie have earned their place in the 2026 Women’s Super League Grand Final, where they will meet defending champions Wigan Warriors after a commanding 12‑0 semi‑final triumph on the road against Leeds Rhinos. The final is set for Sunday, 27 September, with a 5:30 pm kickoff at the Brick Community Stadium, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The Valkyrie’s journey to the final has been nothing short of remarkable.
After suffering heavy defeats earlier in the season – a 38‑16 loss to Leeds on 8 August and a 44‑0 drubbing at the hands of Wigan on 15 August – York turned their fortunes around in spectacular fashion. They recorded victories over Leeds at home, St Helens away, and Wigan on their own turf before sealing the semi‑final win that propelled them into the championship match. The semi‑final at Headingley began with a tight, scoreless first 21 minutes.
York broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Liv Wood displayed her agility, twisting and diving to ground the ball for a try. Tara Jane Stanley successfully converted, putting York ahead 6‑0. As the first half drew to a close, Leeds threatened on the York try‑line, but a poorly executed grubber‑kick by Ruby Walker gave Stanley the chance to collect the ball and sprint clear, extending the lead. Three minutes before the break, Stanley added a long‑range penalty, making the score 8‑0.
The second half opened with a burst of excitement. Eight minutes in, Stanley appeared to score a second try, but the Video Referee ruled the effort invalid after replay showed she lost control of the ball in the act of grounding it. Undeterred, Leeds launched a series of attacks, but York’s defence held firm, preserving their two‑score cushion.
Midway through the half, Georgia Elliston of Leeds crossed the line under the posts, only for the Video Referee to disallow the try for obstruction. York then sealed the match with a decisive try from Adaoha Akwiwu, who burst through the defensive line after receiving a short pass from Stanley, bringing the final tally to 12‑0. In the closing minutes, Leeds’ Ebony Stead seemed to have a chance to spark a comeback, but for the third time that evening the Video Referee intervened, determining that Stead lost control of the ball while grounding it.
The game ended with York victorious, but not without a bittersweet note: Stanley, who had been the standout performer, failed her Head Injury Assessment and will miss the Grand Final. York’s head coach Leon Pryce spoke to Sky Sports after the match, expressing disbelief at the team’s turnaround.
“Nobody gave us a chance,” he said. “Everyone wrote us off, and just last week people were saying it would be another Saints versus Leeds game after Saints won here. We used those comments as fuel. We didn’t get the respect we deserved, but the opposition was unbelievable.
To travel to Leeds, face a strong side and keep them scoreless shows our grit, toughness and determination. Against all odds we’re here, and I couldn’t be prouder. The last four or five weeks have seen us turn a corner, and we want the season to keep going.” While York prepares for the final, Wigan Warriors are already making headlines in the individual awards arena.
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 pivotal figure in Wigan’s attack this season, scoring nine tries in 18 appearances across all competitions. 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 a second time.
Current Woman of Steel holder Eva Hunter continued her prolific form under coach Denis Betts, crossing the line for 23 tries in all competitions. The dynamic second‑rower showcased blistering speed, powerful ball‑carrying and relentless defensive work, and made history by becoming the first woman to score four tries in a Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. Megan Williams, a relative newcomer to the club after joining from St Helens ahead of the 2025 season, has quickly become a cornerstone of Wigan’s forward pack.
The England Knights international has added four tries since the competition entered its Super Four phase, helping the Warriors maintain momentum in their pursuit of another historic season. The Grand Final promises to be a showcase of the sport’s top talent, pitting York’s resilient, under‑dog spirit against Wigan’s seasoned, award‑winning squad. Fans can tune in to Sky Sports on Sunday, 27 September, for live coverage of what is expected to be a thrilling climax to the 2026 Women’s Super League campaign.