York Valkyrie have earned a place in the 2026 Women’s Super League Grand Final, where they will meet defending champions Wigan Warriors. Their path to the final was sealed with an impressive 12‑0 shut‑out of Leeds Rhinos in the semi‑final played at Headingley, a performance that has left fans and pundits alike stunned. The decisive match took place on a crisp autumn afternoon, and despite a slow start, York quickly found their rhythm. The first 21 minutes were a tight, scoreless affair, with both sides probing for weaknesses.
Then, in the 22nd minute, York’s livewire forward Liv Wood executed a dazzling twist and turn before grounding the ball for the opening try. Tara‑Jane Stanley, who has been a reliable kicker all season, converted the try without hesitation, giving York an early 6‑0 lead. Leeds pressed hard as the half‑time whistle approached, and a desperate grubber kick from Ruby Walker nearly resulted in a try for the Rhinos. However, the kick was poorly placed, allowing Stanley to scoop up the ball and sprint clear, securing another penalty goal from distance three minutes before the break.
The scoreboard read 8‑0 in York’s favour at the interval. The second half began with York maintaining their composure. Eight minutes after the restart, Stanley broke through the defense and appeared to score a second try, which would have put the visitors firmly in control.
Unfortunately, the Video Referee intervened and, after reviewing the footage, ruled that she had lost control of the ball as she crossed the line, nullifying the score. Undeterred, York’s defence held strong as Leeds launched a series of aggressive attacks.
The Rhinos thought they had broken the deadlock when Georgia Elliston powered over for a try on the hour mark, but once again the Video Referee disallowed the effort, citing obstruction. York’s resilience paid off shortly thereafter when Adaoha Akwiwu took advantage of a short pass from Stanley, bursting through the defensive line to score the only try of the match. The conversion pushed the tally to 12‑0, a lead York would never relinquish.
In the closing stages, Leeds managed to create a fleeting moment of hope when Ebony Stead appeared to cross the try‑line on the wing. Yet for the third time that evening, the Video Referee ruled the try invalid, determining that Stead had lost possession before grounding the ball. The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive shut‑out for York, but the celebration was tempered by news that Stanley, the night’s standout performer, had failed her Head Injury Assessment and would miss the Grand Final. York’s head coach, Leon Prythe, spoke to Sky Sports after the match, his voice brimming with emotion: "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." Looking ahead, York will travel to the Brick Community Stadium on Sunday, September 27, for the Grand Final, which kicks off at 5:30 pm and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Their opponents, Wigan Warriors, enter the match as the reigning champions and will be looking to add another trophy to their impressive haul. Wigan’s own preparations have been highlighted by the announcement of the 2026 Woman of Steel shortlist, which features three Warriors players: Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter, and Megan Williams. Foubister, the 19‑year‑old half‑back, finished the season with nine tries in 18 appearances and was instrumental in Wigan’s Challenge Cup triumph at Wembley, where she set up two scores and delivered three line‑break assists.
Eva Hunter, the incumbent Woman of Steel, continued her prolific form by crossing for 23 tries across all competitions, including a historic four‑try haul in the Challenge Cup Final – a first for any woman at the iconic venue. Megan Williams, a dynamic loose forward who joined Wigan from St Helens ahead of the 2025 season, has become a cornerstone of the side, adding four tries during the Super Four phase and consistently delivering strong ball‑carrying and defensive work. The Woman of Steel awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, September 29, in Manchester, where the three Warriors will vie for the sport’s most prestigious individual honour. Fans eager to witness the climax of the season can tune in to Sky Sports on September 27 to watch York Valkyrie and Wigan Warriors battle for the championship.
The match promises a showcase of skill, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that has defined women’s rugby league this year.