York Valkyrie have earned a place in the 2026 Women's Super League Grand Final, where they will meet defending champions Wigan Warriors. The Valkyrie clinched their ticket with a commanding 12‑0 triumph over Leeds Rhinos in the semi‑final played at Headingley, securing a historic victory that has set the stage for a showdown at the Brick Community Stadium on Sunday, September 27, with a 5:30 pm kickoff broadcast live on Sky Sports. The journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable for York.
Just weeks earlier they suffered heavy defeats – a 38‑16 loss to Leeds on August 8 and a 44‑0 drubbing by Wigan on August 15. Since those setbacks the team has completely reversed its fortunes, stringing together wins against Leeds at home, a road victory over St Helens, and a home win over Wigan before finally sealing the semi‑final. The turnaround showcases the resilience and determination that have become the hallmark of the squad. The semi‑final itself was a tightly contested affair for the first 21 minutes, with neither side managing to break the deadlock at Headingley.
The deadlock was finally shattered in the 22nd minute when York’s Liv Wood displayed excellent footwork, twisting and turning before grounding the ball for a try. Tara Jane Stanley added the conversion, giving York a 6‑0 lead. Just before the interval, Leeds appeared poised to equalise when Ruby Walker attempted a grubber kick that fell short, allowing Stanley to scoop up the ball and sprint clear for a second try. However, the referee called a halt before the play could develop, and York instead extended their lead with a well‑taken penalty from distance, bringing the halftime score to 8‑0.
The second half began with York looking to consolidate their advantage. Eight minutes in, Stanley broke through the defensive line and seemed to have scored a second try, but a video referee review showed she lost control of the ball as she crossed the try‑line, and the score was disallowed. The decision sparked a Leeds resurgence; the Rhinos pressed hard, but York’s defence held firm, preserving the two‑score margin.
At the 60‑minute mark, Leeds’ Georgia Elliston powered over for what appeared to be a try, only for the video referee to intervene again, citing obstruction and overturning the score. York then sealed the victory when Adaoha Akwiwu, receiving a short pass from Stanley, burst through the defensive line to score the final try, cementing a 12‑0 win. Leeds fought back in the closing stages, with Ebony Stead seemingly grounding the ball for a try that would have given the Rhinos a glimmer of hope.
Yet for the third time that night, the video referee ruled the effort invalid, determining that Stead had lost control of the ball before crossing the line. The match ended on a bittersweet note for York. Their standout performer, Tara Jane Stanley, who had contributed both tries and the penalty goal, failed a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and will miss the Grand Final. Despite this setback, head coach Leon Pryce expressed immense pride in his players during a post‑match interview with Sky Sports.
He highlighted how the team had been written off by critics, used that doubt as motivation, and demonstrated grit, toughness, and determination to shut out a strong Leeds side. "This is unbelievable. Nobody gave us a chance," Pryce said.
"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." 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 Tuesday, September 29. Nineteen‑year‑old half‑back Jenna Foubister has been a pivotal figure in Wigan’s attack, tallying nine tries in 18 appearances across all competitions this season.
Her influence was on full display during 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. Current Woman of Steel holder Eva Hunter 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 work rate have been instrumental in Wigan’s success, and she made history by becoming the first woman to score four tries in a Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. Megan Williams, a recent addition to the Cherry & White squad, has quickly established herself as one of the most reliable forwards in the league. Since joining from St Helens ahead of the 2025 season, the England Knights international has been a key component of Betts’ side, adding four tries during the Super Four phase and helping Wigan maintain their push for another historic campaign. The Grand Final promises to be a thrilling encounter between a resilient York side eager to cap off their remarkable turnaround and a Wigan team boasting both collective strength and individual brilliance.
Fans can catch the live broadcast on Sky Sports on September 27 at 5:30 pm, as the two clubs vie for the coveted Women’s Super League title.