York Valkyrie have earned their place in the 2026 Women’s Super League Grand Final, where they will meet defending champions Wigan Warriors at the Brick Community Stadium on Sunday, September 27, with kickoff slated for 5:30 p.m. on Sky Sports. Their path to the final was forged with a dominant 12‑0 semi‑final triumph over Leeds Rhinos at Headingley, a result that marks a dramatic reversal of fortunes for a side that suffered heavy defeats just weeks earlier. Just a month before the semi‑final, York endured a 38‑16 loss to Leeds on August 8 and then a crushing 44‑0 defeat at the hands of Wigan on August 15.
Those setbacks could have demoralised many teams, but York used the experience as motivation. In the weeks that followed they turned the tide, beating Leeds at home, out‑scoring St Helens on the road, and then surprising Wigan on their own turf before clinching the semi‑final victory that now propels them to the championship decider.
The semi‑final itself began as a tight, low‑scoring affair. The first 21 minutes at Headingley saw neither side able to break the deadlock, with both defenses holding strong. The deadlock was finally shattered in the 22nd minute when York’s Liv Wood displayed impressive footwork, twisting and turning before diving over for the opening try.
Tara Jane Stanley added the conversion, giving York an early 6‑0 lead. Just before the halftime whistle, Leeds appeared poised to equalise when Ruby Walker attempted a grubber kick that fell short, allowing Stanley to collect the loose ball and sprint clear to the try‑line. The effort was ruled a try, extending York’s advantage. Three minutes later Stanley demonstrated her kicking prowess by slotting a long‑range penalty, pushing the score to 8‑0 as the first half concluded.
The second half opened with York looking to extend their lead. Eight minutes in, Stanley broke through the Leeds defence for what seemed to be her second try of the match.
However, the Video Referee intervened after reviewing the footage and determined that she had lost control of the ball during the grounding, nullifying the score. The decision sparked a Leeds resurgence; the Rhinos launched a series of aggressive attacks, but York’s defence 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 for obstruction. York responded promptly, with Adaoha Akwiwu exploiting a short pass from Stanley to burst through the defensive line and score, sealing a 12‑0 lead that would prove decisive.
In the closing stages, Leeds’ Ebony Stead seemed to have a chance to ignite a comeback when she crossed the try‑line on the wing. Yet for the third time that evening, the Video Referee ruled the effort invalid, citing a loss of ball control during the grounding. The match ended with York victorious, but the celebration was tempered by the news that Tara Jane Stanley, the night’s standout performer, had failed a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) and would miss the Grand Final.
York’s head coach, Leon Pryce, expressed his amazement in a post‑match interview with Sky Sports: “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 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 Tuesday, September 29. Nineteen‑year‑old half‑back Jenna Foubister earned her nomination after a prolific 2026 campaign that saw her cross the try‑line nine times in 18 appearances across all competitions.
Her influence was especially evident in the Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley, where she earned Player of the Match honours by creating two tries and delivering three line‑break assists as the Warriors lifted the trophy for the second time. Current Woman of Steel Eva Hunter continued to dominate the season under coach Denis Betts, tallying an impressive 23 tries in all competitions. The dynamic second‑rower’s combination of blistering speed, powerful ball‑carrying and relentless defence has made her a constant threat. Hunter 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 Wigan from St Helens ahead of the 2025 season, secured her spot on the shortlist thanks to consistent performances in the forward pack. The England Knights international has become a cornerstone of Betts’ side, contributing four tries during the Super Four phase and helping the Warriors maintain their push for another historic season. The upcoming Grand Final promises a compelling narrative: a resurgent York Valkyrie, who have defied expectations and overcome adversity, versus a Wigan side that not only dominates the league but also boasts three of the sport’s most celebrated players.
Fans can catch the live broadcast on Sky Sports on Sunday, September 27, with kickoff at 5:30 p.m., as the two teams battle for the coveted Women’s Super League trophy.