York Valkyrie have earned their place in the 2026 Women's Super League Grand Final, where they will take on defending champions Wigan Warriors at the Brick Community Stadium on Sunday, September 27, with kickoff scheduled for 5:30 pm and the match broadcast live on Sky Sports. The Valkyrie's journey to the final was sealed by a convincing 12‑0 semi‑final triumph over Leeds Rhinos on the road, a result that highlighted the dramatic turnaround the club has experienced over the past few weeks.
Just a month earlier, York endured 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 a series of impressive victories that included a home win over Leeds, an away triumph against St Helens, and a hard‑fought win against Wigan at home before clinching the semi‑final. This resurgence has been built on a blend of resilience, tactical discipline, and a belief that the squad can compete with the league’s elite.
The semi‑final at Headingley began with a tense, scoreless first 21 minutes as both sides tested each other’s defenses. The deadlock was finally broken in the 22nd minute when York’s Liv Wood displayed superb footwork, twisting and turning before grounding the ball for a try. Tara‑Jane Stanley added the conversion, giving York an early 6‑0 lead. As the first half drew to a close, Leeds pressed hard near the York try‑line, but a poorly executed grubber‑kick by Ruby Walker turned into a costly error.
Stanley seized the loose ball, sprinted clear and, after a brief run, secured a second try for York. She then slotted a long‑range penalty three minutes before the break, extending the lead to 8‑0. The second half began with York looking to consolidate their advantage. Eight minutes in, Stanley broke through the defensive line and appeared to score a second try, which would have put the Valkyrie comfortably ahead.
However, the Video Referee reviewed the footage and determined that she had lost control of the ball in the act of grounding it, nullifying the score. The decision sparked a surge from Leeds, who attacked with renewed vigor, but York’s defensive unit held firm, maintaining the two‑score margin.
Midway through the half, Leeds thought they had finally broken through when Georgia Elliston powered over for a try. Once again, the Video Referee intervened, this time citing obstruction, and the try was disallowed. York responded by capitalising on a short‑ball pass from Stanley to Adaoha Akwiwu, who burst through the defensive line to score the decisive try, bringing the scoreboard to 12‑0. In the closing stages, Leeds’ Ebony Stead appeared to cross the line for a try that would have given the Rhinos a glimmer of hope.
Yet for the third time that evening, the Video Referee ruled the effort invalid, noting that Stead had lost control of the ball before grounding it. The match concluded with York maintaining a clean sheet, a testament to their defensive organization and tenacity.
Unfortunately for York, the night also brought a setback. Tara‑Jane Stanley, who had been the standout performer throughout the semi‑final, failed her Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and will miss the Grand Final.
Coach Leon Pryde reflected on the team's extraordinary season, saying, "This is unbelievable. Nobody gave us a chance. Everyone wrote us off, but we used those comments as fuel. To travel to Leeds and keep them scoreless shows our grit, toughness and determination.
Against all odds we’re here, and I couldn’t be prouder." Meanwhile, Wigan Warriors are poised to dominate the upcoming Woman of Steel awards. Three of their players—Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter, and Megan Williams—have been shortlisted for the prestigious individual honour. Foubister, a 19‑year‑old half‑back, finished the season with nine tries in 18 appearances and delivered a Player‑of‑the‑Match performance in the Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley, where she created two tries and three line‑break assists.
Eva Hunter, the reigning Woman of Steel, added 23 tries across all competitions, becoming the first woman to score four tries in a Challenge Cup Final. Megan Williams, a forward who joined Wigan from St Helens ahead of the 2025 campaign, has been a consistent force, scoring four tries during the Super Four phase and cementing her role as a key component of Denis Betts’ side. The Grand Final promises to be a showcase of the best talent in women’s rugby league, with York seeking to cap off their remarkable comeback and Wigan aiming to retain the title.
Fans can watch the showdown live on Sky Sports on Sunday, September 27, with kickoff at 5:30 pm. The match will not only determine the champions of the 2026 season but also provide a stage for the shortlisted Woman of Steel candidates to demonstrate why they deserve the sport’s highest individual accolade.