York Valkyrie have booked their place in the 2026 Women's Super League Grand Final, where they will meet the defending champions Wigan Warriors. The Valkyrie earned this opportunity by delivering a commanding 12-0 victory over Leeds Rhinos in the semi‑final played at Headingley, a result that has stunned many observers and set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown at the Brick Community Stadium on Sunday, September 27, with kickoff scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
on Sky Sports. The turnaround for York has been nothing short of remarkable. Just weeks earlier the team suffered heavy defeats, losing 38‑16 to Leeds on August 8 and then being thumped 44‑0 by Wigan on August 15. Those setbacks could have demoralised a lesser side, but York used the adversity as motivation.
In the weeks that followed they reversed their fortunes dramatically, beating Leeds at home, securing an away win against St Helens, and then pulling off a stunning victory over Wigan at their own ground before clinching the semi‑final triumph. The semi‑final itself was a tightly contested affair for the first 21 minutes, with both sides defending stoutly and the scoreboard remaining blank.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 22nd minute when York’s Liv Wood showcased her agility and strength, twisting past defenders and grounding the ball for a try. Tara Jane Stanley added the conversion, giving York an early 6‑0 lead.
As the first half drew to a close, Leeds threatened to level the scores. Ruby Walker attempted a last‑minute grubber kick that fell short, allowing Stanley to collect the loose ball and sprint clear, securing another try. However, the referee ruled the attempt a failed play, and the try was not awarded.
Instead, York extended their advantage three minutes before the break when Stanley slotted a long‑range penalty, pushing the score to 8‑0. The second half began with York maintaining pressure. Eight minutes in, Stanley broke through the defensive line and appeared to score her second try of the match, which would have put York comfortably ahead. The Video Referee, however, reviewed the footage and determined that she had lost control of the ball before grounding it, nullifying the try.
The decision proved pivotal, as it kept the contest within reach for Leeds, who responded with a wave of aggressive attacks. Leeds’ resurgence was short‑lived. When Georgia Elliston crossed the try‑line midway through the half, the Video Referee again intervened, this time citing obstruction, and the try was disallowed.
York’s defence held firm, and the Valkyrie capitalised on a well‑executed short pass from Stanley to Adaoha Akwiwu, who burst through the Rhinos’ line for the match‑winning try, sealing a 12‑0 victory. In the closing stages, Leeds thought they had a lifeline when Ebony Stead appeared to touch down near the sideline.
Yet for the third time that evening, the Video Referee ruled the score invalid, citing a loss of control in the act of grounding. The final whistle confirmed York’s clean sheet and a historic semi‑final win. The triumph was bittersweet for York, as post‑match medical checks revealed that Tara Jane Stanley, the night’s standout performer, had failed a Head Injury Assessment (HIA). Consequently, she will miss the Grand Final, a significant blow to the Valkyrie’s attacking options.
Head coach Leon Pryce reflected on the extraordinary journey in an 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." Beyond York’s narrative, the Grand Final will also showcase the individual brilliance of Wigan Warriors, who dominate the 2026 Woman of Steel shortlist.
Three Warriors players—Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter, and Megan Williams—have been named among the final three contenders for the sport’s most prestigious individual award, to be presented at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester on September 29. Jenna Foubister, the 19‑year‑old half‑back, has been a catalyst for Wigan’s attacking prowess, scoring nine tries in 18 appearances across all competitions and delivering a Player‑of‑the‑Match performance in the Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley, where she created two tries and set up three line‑break assists. Eva Hunter, the reigning Woman of Steel, continued her prolific form by crossing for 23 tries this season, including a historic four‑try haul in the Challenge Cup Final, a first for any woman at Wembley. Megan Williams, a versatile loose forward, has cemented her reputation as one of the league’s most consistent forwards.
Since joining Wigan from St Helens ahead of the 2025 season, she has added four tries during the Super Four phase and has been integral to the Warriors’ sustained push for another championship. The Grand Final promises a clash of contrasting styles: York’s resilient, defence‑first approach versus Wigan’s fluid, attack‑driven play.
Both teams have demonstrated the ability to adapt under pressure, and the match will likely hinge on which side can execute their game plan on the day. York will need to compensate for Stanley’s absence, perhaps relying more heavily on the creative play of Liv Wood and the leadership of coach Pryce. Wigan, meanwhile, will look to leverage the experience of their shortlisted Woman of Steel candidates, whose individual brilliance could prove decisive. Fans can catch the live broadcast on Sky Sports on Sunday, September 27, with kickoff slated for 5:30 p.m.
The Brick Community Stadium will host what is expected to be a landmark event for women’s rugby league, highlighting the sport’s growing popularity and the high‑level competition on display. The match will also serve as a showcase for the sport’s emerging talent and a celebration of the remarkable progress made by both clubs over the past season. In summary, York Valkyrie’s 12‑0 semi‑final victory over Leeds marks a turning point in their campaign, earning them a place in the Grand Final against a dominant Wigan side. Despite the setback of losing Tara Jane Stanley to injury, the Valkyrie remain confident, buoyed by a season of hard‑earned resilience.
Wigan, with three players in contention for the Woman of Steel award, will aim to add another trophy to their cabinet. The upcoming Grand Final is set to be a thrilling encounter that will captivate rugby league enthusiasts and further elevate the profile of the women's game.