York Valkyrie emerged victorious in the Women’s Super League Grand Final, edging out Wigan Warriors by a narrow 8‑6 margin in a tightly contested showdown. This triumph marks York’s third championship title, adding to their previous successes in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, and solidifying their status as a dominant force in women’s rugby league.
The final took place at the Brick Community Stadium, where the atmosphere was electric from the first whistle. York opened the scoring early in the match when Sinead Peach broke through the defensive line and touched down for the opening try. The conversion was reliably slotted by Ellie Williamson, putting York ahead and setting the tone for what would become a fiercely competitive encounter.
Wigan, however, responded swiftly. In the first half, Jenna Foubister displayed her attacking prowess by feeding Mia‑Jayne Atherton, who crossed the try line to level the scores.
Isabel Rowe then added the conversion, ensuring the teams were dead‑locked at 6‑6 as the half‑time whistle approached. Both sides displayed a blend of physicality and skill, with each try highlighting the high calibre of talent on display. The second half saw the drama intensify.
Early on, both Atherton and Wigan’s Eva Hunter found themselves in the sin bin for separate infringements. Hunter, in particular, escaped a potential red card after a dangerous tackle on York’s Jas Bell, but the penalty still saw her removed from the field for ten minutes. While the sin‑bin period unfolded, York seized the opportunity to regain the lead.
Ellie Williamson stepped up once again, slotting a decisive penalty kick that nudged York ahead by two points, a margin they would fiercely protect for the remainder of the game. York’s offensive threat persisted after the break. Amelie Lenham came close to extending the lead with a near‑miss that forced the Wigan defense to scramble, while Liv Wood was halted just short of the try line, illustrating York’s relentless pressure.
Despite Wigan’s repeated attempts to claw back into contention—launching wave after wave of attacks—the Valkyrie’s defensive unit held firm. The teenage Lenham, later named player of the match, made several crucial try‑saving tackles that underscored her emerging reputation as a defensive stalwart. As the final minutes ticked away, York’s composure never wavered. Their disciplined defense, combined with strategic kicking, kept Wigan at bay, and the scoreboard remained 8‑6 in York’s favour.
When the final whistle sounded, the Valkyrie celebrated not only a hard‑earned victory but also a historic achievement: becoming the first club to capture the Women’s Super League title three times. The post‑match celebrations took on a particularly romantic note. Lisa Parker, a key York player who had bravely played through a broken hand, was surprised by her fiancé, who proposed to her on the field amid the jubilation.
The heartfelt proposal added a fairy‑tale element to an already memorable evening, highlighting the personal stories that often unfold behind the sport’s grand narratives. Beyond the immediate celebration, the Grand Final also served as the season’s climax for the Betfred Women’s Super League. Several Wigan players—Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter, and Megan Williams—are now strong contenders for the 2026 Woman of Steel Award, which will be presented at the Rugby League Awards ceremony in Manchester next Tuesday. Their performances throughout the season, and especially in this final, have cemented their reputations as some of the game’s most exciting talents.
Fans looking to relive the excitement can catch the full broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ on Saturday, October 3, beginning at 5 p.m., or stream the match without a contract via NOW. The Grand Final not only capped off a thrilling season but also set the stage for future rivalries and storylines within women’s rugby league, promising even more drama and athletic brilliance in the years ahead.