York Valkyrie have earned their place in the 2026 Women's Super League Grand Final, where they will meet defending champions Wigan Warriors. The Valkyrie achieved this milestone by delivering a flawless 12-0 victory against Leeds Rhinos in the semi‑final held at Headingley, securing a ticket to the championship match at the Brick Community Stadium on Sunday, September 27, with kickoff scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Sky Sports.
The turnaround for York has been nothing short of dramatic. Just weeks earlier the team suffered heavy defeats, losing 38‑16 to Leeds on August 8 and then being thumped 44‑0 by Wigan on August 15. Since those setbacks the Valkyrie have completely reversed their fortunes, stringing together wins over Leeds at home, a road triumph against St Helens, and a hard‑fought victory over Wigan at the York venue before clinching the semi‑final.
The match against Leeds began cautiously, with the first 21 minutes ending without a score as both sides tested each other's defenses. The deadlock was finally broken in the 22nd minute when York’s Liv Wood displayed impressive footwork, twisting past defenders and grounding the ball for the opening try. Tara Jane Stanley added the conversion, putting York ahead 6‑0.
Leeds pressed hard as the first half drew to a close, and a last‑minute grubber kick from Ruby Walker seemed to promise a try. However, the ball slipped, allowing Stanley to scoop it up and sprint clear, preserving York’s lead. Three minutes before the break Stanley extended the margin with a long‑range penalty, taking the score to 8‑0. The second half started with York looking confident.
Stanley surged forward eight minutes in and appeared to score a second try, which would have given York a comfortable cushion. The Video Referee, however, reviewed the footage and determined that she lost control of the ball before grounding it, nullifying the score. The decision sparked a Leeds resurgence, with the Rhinos attacking aggressively, but York’s defence held firm, maintaining the two‑score advantage.
At the 60‑minute mark Leeds thought they had finally broken through when Georgia Elliston powered over under the posts. Once again the Video Referee intervened, citing obstruction and overturning the try. York responded swiftly; a short pass from Stanley found Adaoha Akwiwu, who burst through the defensive line to score York’s first official try of the half, sealing a 12‑0 lead. Leeds made one last attempt in the closing stages when Ebony Stead appeared to cross the line on the wing, offering the Rhinos a glimmer of hope.
Yet for the third time that evening the Video Referee ruled the effort invalid, confirming that Stead had lost control of the ball before grounding it. The final whistle confirmed York’s clean sheet and a comprehensive victory.
The triumph was tempered by disappointing news for York’s star performer, Tara Jane Stanley, who failed a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) after the match and will miss the Grand Final. Coach Leon Pryce spoke to Sky Sports, expressing disbelief at the team’s turnaround: "Nobody gave us a chance.
Everyone wrote us off, and last week they were saying it would be another Saints vs Leeds game after Saints won here. We used those comments as fuel. We didn’t get the respect we deserved, but they’ve been unbelievable. To go to Leeds in a semi‑final against a strong squad and keep them to zero just shows our grit, toughness and determination.
Against all odds we’re here, and I couldn’t be prouder. The last four or five weeks we really turned a corner, and we don’t want the season to end here." In parallel news, Wigan Warriors dominate the 2026 Woman of Steel awards shortlist, with three of their players—Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter and Megan Williams—named among the final three candidates. The awards ceremony will take place in Manchester on Tuesday, September 29, as part of the Rugby League Awards Night.
Half‑back Jenna Foubister, only 19, has been a pivotal figure in Wigan’s attack, scoring nine tries in 18 appearances across all competitions and delivering a standout Player‑of‑the‑Match performance in the Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley, where she created two tries and provided three line‑break assists. Eva Hunter, the reigning Woman of Steel, continued her prolific form, crossing the line 23 times this season and becoming the first woman to score four tries in a Challenge Cup Final at Wembley.
Loose forward Megan Williams, a recent England Knights international, has cemented her reputation as a consistent forward, adding four tries during the Super Four phase and playing a key role in Wigan’s push for another historic season. Fans can watch the Grand Final live on Sky Sports on September 27, with the showdown between Wigan Warriors and York Valkyrie promising a high‑intensity contest that will cap off an unforgettable season for women’s rugby league. The match will not only determine the champions but also showcase the rapid growth and increasing competitiveness of the women’s game, highlighting the talent, resilience and passion of both squads as they vie for the ultimate prize.