York Valkyrie have clinched a place in the 2026 Women’s Super League Grand Final, where they will take on defending champions Wigan Warriors. The Valkyrie earned their ticket with a commanding 12‑0 victory over Leeds Rhinos in the semi‑final, played at Headingley. The upcoming final will be staged at the Brick Community Stadium on Sunday, 27 September, with a 5:30 pm kickoff that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The turnaround for York has been dramatic. 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.
Since those setbacks the Valkyrie have rewritten their narrative, stringing together wins over Leeds at home, a road triumph against St Helens, and a hard‑fought victory over Wigan on their own turf before sealing the semi‑final win. The semi‑final itself was a tightly contested affair for the first 21 minutes, with neither side managing to break the deadlock. York’s breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute when Liv Wood displayed her agility, twisting and turning before grounding the ball for a try.
Tara Jane Stanley successfully converted, giving York a 6‑0 lead. As the first half drew to a close, Leeds pressed hard near the York try‑line. A last‑minute grubber kick from Leeds’ Ruby Walker proved errant, allowing Stanley to scoop up the ball and sprint clear for a second try, which she also converted, extending the lead to 12‑0. A penalty kick by Stanley just before halftime added further cushion, bringing the half‑time score to 8‑0.
The second half began with York appearing to add a third try when Stanley powered over eight minutes in. However, the Video Referee intervened after reviewing the footage and ruled that she had lost control of the ball in the act of scoring, nullifying the effort.
Leeds responded with renewed vigor, launching a series of attacks, but York’s defence held firm, preserving their two‑score advantage. Midway through the second period, Leeds’ Georgia Elliston broke through the defensive line and grounded the ball for what seemed to be a try. Once again the Video Referee stepped in, this time citing obstruction, and the try was disallowed.
York then secured the win when Adaoha Akwiwu capitalised on a short pass from Stanley, bursting over for the final try and sealing a 12‑0 victory. Leeds managed a late scare when Ebony Stead appeared to cross the try‑line in the final six minutes, but a third Video Referee decision of the night overturned the score after replays showed she had lost control of the ball while grounding it. The match concluded with a bittersweet note for York: Tara Jane Stanley, who had been the standout performer, failed her Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and will miss the Grand Final.
In post‑match comments to Sky Sports, York head coach Leon Pryce reflected on the extraordinary run: "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 final, 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 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 pivotal figure in Wigan’s attack this season, tallying nine tries in 18 appearances across all competitions.
Her influence was on full display in the Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley, where she earned the Player of the Match award by creating two tries and delivering three line‑break assists as the Warriors lifted the trophy for the second time. Current Woman of Steel holder Eva Hunter continued her prolific form under coach Denis Betts, crossing the line 23 times in all competitions.
The dynamic second‑rower combined blistering speed, powerful ball‑carrying and relentless defensive work throughout the campaign, and made history by becoming the first woman to score four tries in a Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. Megan Williams, a relative newcomer to the Warriors after joining from St Helens ahead of the 2025 season, has quickly established herself as a consistent and reliable forward.
The England Knights international has contributed four tries since the competition entered its Super Four phase, playing a key role in Wigan’s push for another historic season. The Grand Final promises to be a showcase of elite women’s rugby league, pitting the resurgent York Valkyrie against a Wigan side brimming with individual talent and experience. Fans can tune in to Sky Sports on Sunday, 27 September, at 5:30 pm to watch the culmination of a season defined by unexpected turnarounds, fierce competition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.