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 clinched a flawless 12‑0 victory in the semi‑final at Headingley, turning a season that began with heavy defeats into a remarkable comeback story. Earlier in August, York suffered a 38‑16 loss to Leeds Rhinos on August 8 and were thrashed 44‑0 by Wigan a week later.
Those results could have defined their campaign, but the team rebounded dramatically, stringing together wins against Leeds at home, a hard‑fought away triumph over St Helens, and a crucial victory over Wigan on their own turf before the semi‑final showdown. The semi‑final itself was a tightly contested affair for the first 21 minutes, with both sides unable to break the deadlock. The deadlock was finally shattered in the 22nd minute when York’s Liv Wood displayed exceptional skill, twisting and turning before grounding the ball for a try. Tara‑Jane Stanley added the conversion, giving York an early 6‑0 lead.
Just before the halftime whistle, Leeds appeared to be on the verge of a try when Ruby Walker attempted a grubber‑kick that went awry. Stanley pounced on the loose ball, sprinted clear of the defense, and secured the try, extending the lead to 8‑0 after a well‑taken penalty kick from distance.
The second half began with York looking to consolidate their advantage. Eight minutes in, Stanley broke through the Leeds line for what seemed to be a second try, but the Video Referee intervened, reviewing the footage and determining that she had lost control of the ball before grounding it, nullifying the score.
Leeds responded with renewed vigor, launching a series of attacks that tested York’s defensive resolve. However, the Valkyrie’s back‑line held firm, preserving the two‑score margin.
Midway through the half, Leeds’ Georgia Elliston powered over for a try, only for the Video Referee to overturn it on the grounds of obstruction. York finally put the game beyond doubt when Adaoha Akwiwu broke free from a short pass by Stanley and sprinted to the try line, sealing a 12‑0 lead that would hold until the final whistle. In the closing minutes, Leeds’ Ebony Stead seemed to have scored a consolation try, but once again the Video Referee ruled it out after determining she had lost control of the ball while crossing the line.
The victory, however, was tinged with disappointment for York. After the match, it was confirmed that Tara‑Jane Stanley, who had been the standout performer, failed her Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and will miss the Grand Final.
Head coach Leon Pryce spoke to Sky Sports after the game, reflecting on the team’s improbable journey: "It’s unbelievable. No one gave us a chance. Everyone wrote us off, and just last week people were saying it would be another Saints‑vs‑Leeds affair after Saints’ win here.
We read those comments and used them as fuel. I don’t think we received the respect we deserved, but the support has been incredible. To travel to Leeds for a semi‑final against a strong side and keep them to zero says a lot about our grit, toughness and determination.
Against all odds we’ve made it, and I couldn’t be prouder. The whole season has been great, but the last four or five weeks have seen us turn a corner, and we don’t want the season to end here." The Grand Final is set for Sunday, 27 September, with a 5:30 pm kickoff at the Brick Community Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
In parallel with the team’s on‑field drama, Wigan Warriors are dominating the individual accolades for the season. 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 29 September. Nineteen‑year‑old half‑back Jenna Foubister has been a linchpin in Wigan’s attack, tallying nine tries in 18 appearances across all competitions. Her performance in the Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley was particularly noteworthy; she earned Player of the Match honors after creating two tries and delivering three line‑break assists, helping the Warriors secure their second cup in recent years.
Current Woman of Steel Eva Hunter has continued her prolific form under coach Denis Betts, crossing for 23 tries in all competitions. The dynamic second‑rower has combined blistering speed with powerful ball‑carrying and relentless defense, and made history by becoming the first woman to score four tries in a Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. Megan Williams, a relatively new addition to the Cherry & White, has quickly established herself as a reliable forward.
Since joining from St Helens ahead of the 2025 season, the England Knights international has been a key component of Betts’ side, scoring four tries during the Super Four phase and contributing significantly to Wigan’s push for another historic campaign. Fans can look forward to an exciting climax to the season when York Valkyrie and Wigan Warriors clash for the championship.
The Grand Final promises high‑stakes rugby, a showcase of talent, and the culmination of a year filled with dramatic turnarounds and outstanding individual performances. The match will be available live on Sky Sports, with kickoff scheduled for 5:30 pm on 27 September at the Brick Community Stadium.