York Valkyrie have earned a place in the 2026 Women's Super League Grand Final, where they will meet the defending champions, Wigan Warriors, following a commanding 12-0 semi‑final victory on the road against Leeds Rhinos. The championship showdown is set for Sunday, 27 September, at the Brick Community Stadium, with a 5:30 pm kick‑off that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The triumph marks a remarkable turnaround for York. Just weeks earlier the side had 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 Valkyrie have rewritten their narrative, stringing together wins over Leeds at home, a hard‑fought away victory against St Helens, and a home win over Wigan before sealing the semi‑final. The semi‑final at Headingley 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 executed a deft twist and turn, grounding the ball for a try. Tara Jane Stanley added the conversion, putting the Valkyrie ahead 6‑0.
Leeds pressed hard as the first half drew to a close, driving the ball deep into York territory. A last‑minute grubber kick from Leeds’ Ruby Walker proved errant, allowing Stanley to scoop up the loose ball and sprint clear for a second try. However, the referee awarded the try to York, and Stanley’s successful conversion extended the lead to 8‑0 just three minutes before the break.
The second half opened with York maintaining their intensity. Eight minutes in, Stanley broke through the defensive line and appeared to score a second try, which would have given York a comfortable 12‑0 cushion. The Video Referee, however, reviewed the footage and determined that Stanley had lost control of the ball as she crossed the line, nullifying the score.
Undeterred by the reversal, York’s defence held firm as Leeds launched a series of attacks. The Rhinos came close to breaking through when Georgia Elliston powered over under the posts, but the Video Referee again intervened, citing obstruction and disallowing the try.
York finally secured the win in the 60th minute when Adaoha Akwiwu received a short pass from Stanley and burst through the Leeds defence for a try, cementing the 12‑0 scoreline. In the final minutes, Leeds’ Ebony Stead seemed to have scored a consolation try on the wing, but for the third time that evening the Video Referee ruled the effort invalid, determining that Stead had lost possession of the ball before grounding it. The match ended on a bittersweet note for York, as it was announced that Tara Jane Stanley, who had been the standout performer, failed her Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and will miss the Grand Final.
York head coach Leon Pryce spoke to Sky Sports after the game, reflecting on the extraordinary turnaround: "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." In parallel news, Wigan Warriors are poised to dominate the 2026 Woman of Steel awards. Three of the club’s players—Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter and Megan Williams—have been shortlisted for the prestigious individual accolade, which will be presented at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester on 29 September.
Nineteen‑year‑old half‑back Jenna Foubister earned her nomination after a stellar season, recording nine tries in 18 appearances across all competitions and delivering a Player‑of‑the‑Match performance in the Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. In that final she created two tries and supplied three line‑break assists as Wigan lifted the trophy for the second time.
Current Woman of Steel Eva Hunter continued her prolific form under coach Denis Betts, crossing for 23 tries throughout the campaign. The dynamic second‑rower showcased blistering pace, 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 Warriors after joining from St Helens ahead of the 2025 season, secured her place on the shortlist with consistent performances in the forward pack.
The England Knights international has become a key figure for Wigan, scoring four tries during the Super Four phase and helping the club push for another historic season. Fans can watch the Grand Final between Wigan Warriors and York Valkyrie live on Sky Sports on Sunday, 27 September, with kick‑off scheduled for 5:30 pm. The match promises a clash of styles: Wigan’s experienced, trophy‑laden squad versus York’s resilient underdogs who have defied expectations to reach this pinnacle. The showdown will not only decide the champion of the Women’s Super League but also set the stage for individual accolades, as players from both sides will be in contention for the Woman of Steel award.
The Grand Final will be the culmination of a season marked by dramatic comebacks, record‑breaking performances, and the growing popularity of women’s rugby league. It offers an opportunity for the sport to showcase its talent to a broader audience, with Sky Sports providing a platform for millions of viewers to witness the excitement. As the Valkyrie prepare to face the Warriors, the narrative of perseverance, grit and determination that defined their semi‑final victory will continue to inspire supporters and aspiring players alike.