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 performance in the semi‑final held at Headingley, where they outclassed Leeds Rhinos on the road.
The championship showdown is scheduled for Sunday, 27 September, with a 5:30 pm kickoff at the Brick Community Stadium, and it will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The road to the final has been a dramatic turnaround for York. Just weeks earlier the team suffered heavy defeats – a 38‑16 loss to Leeds on 8 August followed by a 44‑0 drubbing at the hands of Wigan on 15 August. Those setbacks could have demoralised many squads, but York used the experience as motivation.
In the weeks that followed they reversed their fortunes, beating Leeds at home, securing a victory over St Helens away, and then overcoming Wigan on their own turf before clinching the semi‑final triumph. The semi‑final itself began cautiously. The first 21 minutes at Headingley saw both sides locked in a defensive stalemate, with neither side managing to cross the try line.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 22nd minute when York’s Liv Wood displayed a blend of agility and strength, twisting past defenders and grounding the ball for a try. Tara‑Jane Stanley, who would become the night’s standout performer, added the conversion, putting York ahead 6‑0. Leeds pressed hard as the first half drew to a close.
Ruby Walker attempted a last‑minute grubber‑kick that fell short, allowing Stanley to collect the loose ball and sprint clear, extending York’s lead. Three minutes before the break Stanley also slotted a long‑range penalty, making the score 8‑0 at halftime. The second half started with York looking confident.
Eight minutes in, Stanley surged forward and appeared to score a second try, which would have put York on a comfortable 12‑0 cushion. However, the Video Referee intervened after reviewing the footage and ruled the try invalid because she lost control of the ball during the grounding.
The decision sparked a brief surge of Leeds’ attack, but York’s defence held firm, preserving their two‑score advantage. Leeds continued to fight back.
At the 60‑minute mark, Georgia Elliston powered over the try line, only for the Video Referee to overturn the decision again, citing obstruction. York’s resilience was rewarded shortly thereafter when Adaoha Akwiwu broke through the defensive line after a short pass from Stanley, finally confirming the 12‑0 scoreline.
Leeds made a final push with six minutes remaining. Ebony Stead seemed to have scored a try on the wing, offering the Rhinos a glimmer of hope. Yet for the third time that evening the Video Referee disallowed the score, determining that Stead had lost control of the ball before grounding it.
The match concluded with York maintaining a clean sheet, a testament to their disciplined defence. Unfortunately for York, the celebration was tempered by the news that Tara‑Jane Stanley, the player who had contributed the most points and energy, failed her Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and will miss the Grand Final.
Her absence will be a significant blow, but the team’s coach, Leon Pryde, remained optimistic. Speaking to Sky Sports, Pryde said, "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." The upcoming Grand Final also coincides with the 2026 Woman of Steel awards ceremony, where Wigan Warriors are heavily represented. Three Warriors players—Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter, and Megan Williams—have been shortlisted for the prestigious individual accolade.
Foubister, a 19‑year‑old half‑back, finished the season with nine tries in 18 appearances and earned a Player of the Match award 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, added 23 tries across all competitions and made history by becoming the first woman to score four tries in a Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. Megan Williams, a loose forward who joined Wigan from St Helens ahead of the 2025 season, 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. Both teams will be eager to showcase their talent on the biggest stage of the women's rugby league calendar.
York will aim to replicate the defensive solidity they displayed against Leeds, while Wigan will look to leverage the experience of their award‑shortlisted stars. The Grand Final promises a compelling clash of styles: York’s gritty, underdog spirit against Wigan’s polished, championship‑winning pedigree. Fans can tune in to Sky Sports on 27 September to watch the final live.
The broadcast will begin with pre‑match analysis, followed by the 5:30 pm kickoff. The Brick Community Stadium is expected to be packed with supporters from both clubs, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the growing popularity of women's rugby league in the UK.
As the season draws to a close, the Grand Final will not only decide the champion but also highlight the rapid development and increasing professionalism of the women's game. In summary, York Valkyrie’s journey from heavy defeats to a flawless semi‑final victory underscores the unpredictable nature of sport and the power of resilience. Their upcoming encounter with Wigan Warriors will be a test of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude, especially with the added narrative of the Woman of Steel shortlist.
Whether York can overcome the loss of Stanley and maintain their defensive dominance, or whether Wigan will assert their status as the league’s powerhouse, remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the 2026 Women's Super League Grand Final will be a landmark event for the sport, offering a showcase of elite talent and inspiring the next generation of female athletes.