York Valkyrie have earned their place in the 2026 Women's Super League Grand Final, where they will meet defending champions Wigan Warriors, after delivering a commanding 12-0 victory over Leeds Rhinos in the semi‑final at Headingley. The final is scheduled for Sunday, 27 September, with a 5:30 pm kick‑off at the Brick Community Stadium and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The journey to this moment has been dramatic for York.
Just a month earlier they suffered heavy defeats – a 38‑16 loss to Leeds on 8 August and a 44‑0 drubbing by Wigan on 15 August. Those setbacks could have demoralised many squads, but the Valkyrie used the experience as motivation. In the weeks that followed they turned their fortunes around, beating Leeds at home, upsetting St Helens on the road and then out‑classing Wigan in a home fixture before sealing their semi‑final triumph.
The match against Leeds began cautiously. The first 21 minutes at Headingley saw both sides locked in a defensive stalemate, with neither team managing to break the deadlock. The deadlock was finally shattered 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 successfully converted, giving York an early 6‑0 lead.
As the first half drew to a close, Leeds threatened to get back on the board. Ruby Walker attempted a grubber kick that fell short, allowing Stanley to scoop up the ball and sprint clear for a potential second try. However, the opportunity was missed, and instead Stanley added three points from a well‑taken penalty, extending York’s advantage to 8‑0 with just minutes remaining before the halftime whistle.
The second half opened with York maintaining pressure. Eight minutes after the restart, Stanley broke through the defensive line and appeared to score her second try of the night, which would have put York comfortably ahead. A video referee review, however, showed that she lost control of the ball while grounding it, and the try was disallowed. The decision reignited Leeds’ attacking spirit, and the Rhinos launched a series of vigorous assaults.
York’s defence held firm, preserving the two‑score margin. Midway through the half, Leeds’ Georgia Elliston powered over the try‑line, only for the video referee to rule the effort out for obstruction. The pattern of disallowed scores continued when Adaoha Akwiwu, after receiving a short pass from Stanley, burst through the defense and secured York’s only try of the match, bringing the scoreboard to 12‑0.
In the final six minutes, Leeds thought they had a glimmer of hope when Ebony Stead seemed to cross for a try on the wing. Yet, for the third time that evening, the video referee intervened, determining that Stead had lost control of the ball before grounding it, and the try was nullified.
The match concluded with York preserving a clean sheet, but the victory was tinged with disappointment as Stanley, who had been the night’s standout performer, failed her Head Injury Assessment and will miss the Grand Final. York head coach Leon Pryce spoke to Sky Sports after the game, reflecting on the team’s remarkable 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." While York prepares for the Grand Final, Wigan Warriors are already in the spotlight for the 2026 Woman of Steel awards.
Three Warriors players—Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter and Megan Williams—have been shortlisted for the prestigious individual honour, which will be announced at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester on 29 September. Nineteen‑year‑old half‑back Jenna Foubister earned her nomination after a prolific season, scoring nine tries in 18 appearances and delivering a 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 as Wigan secured their second cup triumph. Current Woman of Steel Eva Hunter continued her impressive form under coach Denis Betts, crossing for 23 tries across all competitions.
The dynamic second‑rower also made history by becoming the first woman to score four tries in a Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. Megan Williams, a recent addition to the Warriors from St Helens ahead of the 2025 campaign, has quickly become a cornerstone of the side. The England Knights international has contributed four tries since the competition entered its Super Four phase, reinforcing Wigan’s push for another historic season.
The upcoming Grand Final promises a clash of contrasting narratives: a York side that has defied expectations and a Wigan squad looking to cement its dominance while celebrating individual excellence. Fans can watch the showdown live on Sky Sports on Sunday, 27 September, with kick‑off slated for 5:30 pm. The match will not only decide the champion of the Women’s Super League but also set the stage for the Woman of Steel awards, highlighting the growing talent and competitiveness within women’s rugby league.