York Valkyrie emerged as champions of the Women’s Super League after a tightly contested Grand Final in which they edged out Wigan Warriors by a narrow 8‑6 margin. The win marked a historic third consecutive title for York, following their successful campaigns in 2023 and 2024, and cemented their status as the first club to claim the championship three times in the competition's short history.
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 centre Sinead Peach broke through the defensive line and grounded the ball for the opening try. The conversion attempt was calmly slotted by Ellie Williamson, giving the home side a 6‑0 lead and setting the tone for a hard‑fought encounter. Wigan responded with determination and, before the half‑time break, managed to level the scores.
Jenna Foubister, operating on the wing, supplied a precise pass to Mia‑Jayne Atherton, who dived over for a try that restored parity. Isabel Rowe added the conversion, bringing the halftime score to 6‑6.
The match was finely balanced, and both teams knew that a single mistake could prove decisive in the remaining minutes. The second half saw a series of disciplinary incidents that added further drama to the contest. Atherton was shown a yellow card and sent to the sin‑bin for a professional foul, reducing York to twelve players for ten minutes. Shortly after, Wigan’s Eva Hunter also received a sin‑bin for a high tackle on York’s forward Jas Bell.
Although the referee deemed the challenge dangerous, Hunter avoided a red card, but the temporary dismissal left both sides short‑handed at a crucial stage. York capitalised on the opportunity created by the sin‑bin.
With Wigan’s defensive line disrupted, Ellie Williamson stepped up and slotted a decisive penalty goal, nudging York back into the lead at 8‑6. The successful kick proved to be the match‑winning score, as York managed to hold onto the slender advantage for the remainder of the game.
York’s attacking threat never waned. Amelie Lenham, the teenage sensation who would later be named player of the match, came close to adding another try in the early minutes after the break, only to be denied by a resilient Wigan defence. Later, forward Liv Wood made a powerful run that saw her break through the defensive line but was tackled just short of the try line, illustrating York’s relentless pressure on the opposition.
Wigan, refusing to concede, launched a series of attacks in the second half, probing York’s defence with quick ball movement and tactical kicks. However, York’s defensive unit rose to the occasion, with Lenham delivering several crucial try‑saving tackles that kept the Warriors at bay.
Her composure under pressure and ability to read the game earned her widespread praise and the match’s most valuable player accolade. When the final whistle blew, York’s players and supporters celebrated a momentous achievement: becoming the first club to win the Women’s Super League three times. The victory was made even sweeter for centre Lisa Parker, who had played through a broken hand throughout the season. In a heart‑warming post‑match scene, Parker’s fiancé got down on one knee and proposed to her on the field, turning the triumph into a fairy‑tale evening for the couple.
Beyond the on‑field drama, the Grand Final also served as the climax of the Betfred Women’s Super League season. Several Wigan stars, including Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter and Megan Williams, entered the conversation for the upcoming 2026 Woman of Steel Award, which will be presented at the Rugby League Awards ceremony in Manchester on Tuesday. Their performances throughout the season, and especially in the final, have solidified their reputations as some of the game’s brightest talents. Fans who missed the live action were encouraged to watch the event on Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports+ on Saturday, October 3, with the option to stream the match contract‑free via NOW.
The Grand Final not only showcased the growing popularity of women’s rugby league but also highlighted the sport’s increasing professionalism and the high‑quality entertainment it can deliver. Looking ahead, York will aim to defend their crown next season, while Wigan will regroup and look to close the narrow gap that separated them from the title. The rivalry promises to produce more thrilling encounters, and supporters can expect another chapter of intense competition as the two clubs chase further glory in the Betfred Women’s Super League.