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 this opportunity by delivering a flawless 12-0 triumph over Leeds Rhinos in the semi‑final held at Headingley, a performance that turned the tide of their season and set up a showdown at the Brick Community Stadium on Sunday, September 27, with kickoff scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
on Sky Sports. The journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable for York.
Just weeks earlier the side suffered heavy defeats – a 38‑16 loss to Leeds on August 8 and a crushing 44‑0 defeat at the hands of Wigan on August 15. Those setbacks could have defined their campaign, but instead they sparked a dramatic resurgence. York bounced back with a home victory over Leeds, an away win against St Helens, and a hard‑fought triumph over Wigan at home before sealing their semi‑final success.
The match against Leeds began with a tight, scoreless first 21 minutes. Both teams tested each other’s defenses, but it was York’s Liv Wood who finally broke the deadlock. In the 22nd minute Wood executed a deft twist and turn, grounding the ball for a try that was expertly converted by Tara Jane Stanley, giving York an early 6‑0 lead. The momentum continued as Leeds pressed forward in the closing stages of the first half.
A poorly executed grubber‑kick by Leeds’ Ruby Walker fell short, allowing Stanley to scoop up the ball and sprint clear for a second try, which she again converted. By halftime York had stretched the score to 8‑0.
The second half saw York maintain their composure despite Leeds’ renewed aggression. Eight minutes after the break Stanley appeared to score a second try for York, but the Video Referee intervened, ruling that she had lost control of the ball in the act of grounding, and the try was disallowed. Leeds responded with a series of attacking waves, yet York’s defence held firm, preserving the two‑score advantage. Midway through the half, Leeds’ Georgia Elliston broke through the defensive line and grounded the ball for what seemed to be a crucial try.
Once again, the Video Referee reviewed the play and determined that an obstruction had occurred, nullifying the score. York then capitalised on a well‑timed short pass from Stanley to Adaoha Akwiwu, who burst through the defensive line to score the decisive try, extending the lead to 12‑0.
In the closing minutes Leeds managed to create a fleeting moment of hope when Ebony Stead appeared to cross the try line wide out. However, for the third time that evening, the Video Referee ruled the effort invalid, citing a loss of control of the ball as Stead went over. The final whistle confirmed a clean sheet for York, but the victory was tinged with disappointment when it was announced that Stanley, who had been instrumental throughout the match, failed her Head Injury Assessment and would miss the Grand Final. York’s head coach Leon Pryce spoke to Sky Sports after the game, expressing disbelief at the turnaround: "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." On the opposite side of the pitch, Wigan Warriors are already making headlines in the individual awards arena.
Three of their players – Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter and Megan Williams – have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2026 Woman of Steel award, which will be presented at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester on September 29. Nineteen‑year‑old half‑back Jenna Foubister has been a catalyst in Wigan’s attacking play, registering 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, has continued her prolific form, crossing the line 23 times this season.
The dynamic second‑rower made history by becoming the first woman to score four tries in a Challenge Cup Final at Wembley, showcasing her speed, power and defensive tenacity. Megan Williams, a recent addition to the Cherry & White, has quickly become a mainstay in the forward pack.
Since joining from St Helens ahead of the 2025 season, the England Knights international has contributed four tries during the Super Four phase, helping Wigan maintain their push for another historic campaign. The Grand Final promises to be a compelling contest between a resurgent York side, eager to prove that their semi‑final shutout was no fluke, and a Wigan squad brimming with talent and individual accolades. Fans can watch the clash live on Sky Sports on Sunday, September 27, with kickoff slated for 5:30 p.m.
at the Brick Community Stadium. The stage is set for a memorable finale to a season defined by dramatic comebacks, standout performances, and the relentless pursuit of glory.