York Valkyrie emerged victorious in the Women’s Super League Grand Final, edging out Wigan Warriors by a narrow 8-6 margin. This triumph marks the club’s third championship title, following their successful campaigns in 2023 and 2024, and solidifies their place as the first side to claim the league crown three times. The showdown took place at the Brick Community Stadium, where the atmosphere was electric from the opening whistle. York seized the early initiative when centre Sinead Peach broke through the defensive line to touch down the first try of the match.
The conversion was reliably slotted by Ellie Williamson, giving the hosts a 2-0 lead and setting the tone for a tightly contested encounter. Wigan responded swiftly in the first half, refusing to be relegated to a one‑point deficit.
Prop Jenna Foubister powered her way through York’s defense, delivering the ball to the dynamic Mia‑Jayne Atherton, who crossed the line for the equalising try. Isabel Rowe added the conversion, restoring parity at 2-2 and signalling that the match would be decided by the smallest of margins. Both teams experienced disciplinary setbacks as the game progressed. Atherton was shown a yellow card and sent to the sin‑bin for an infringement, while Wigan’s forward Eva Hunter also faced a sin‑bin after a dangerous tackle on York’s back‑rower Jas Bell.
Hunter narrowly avoided a red card, but her temporary removal left Wigan short‑handed during a critical phase. Capitalising on the advantage, York’s Ellie Williamson nailed a decisive penalty goal, nudging the score to 4-2 in favour of the home side. This two‑point cushion proved to be the final margin of victory. The second half saw York continue to apply pressure.
Amelie Lenham, a rising star in the Valkyrie ranks, threatened the try line on several occasions, coming close to adding another score for her side. Meanwhile, veteran forward Liv Wood made a powerful run that was halted just short of the line, underscoring York’s relentless attacking intent. Wigan, undeterred, launched a series of assaults in the latter half, attempting to overturn the deficit.
Their efforts were met with a disciplined and cohesive defensive performance from York. The Valkyrie’s back‑row, anchored by the teenage prodigy Amelie Lenham, executed multiple try‑saving tackles that preserved the slender lead. Lenham’s defensive heroics earned her the Player of the Match award and highlighted her growing reputation as a future stalwart of the sport. Following the final whistle, celebrations erupted as York became the inaugural three‑time champions of the Women’s Super League.
The victory was made even more memorable for team captain Lisa Parker, who had played the entire match with a broken hand. In a heart‑warming moment, Parker’s fiancé seized the occasion to propose, turning the night into a real‑life fairy tale for the couple.
The Grand Final also served as the culmination of the Betfred Women’s Super League season. Several Wigan players—Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter, and Megan Williams—were highlighted as frontrunners for the 2026 Woman of Steel Award, an honour that will be presented at the Rugby League Awards ceremony in Manchester on Tuesday.
Looking ahead, fans are already anticipating the next chapter of the competition. The Betfred Super League Grand Final will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ on Saturday, October 3, from 5 pm, with streaming options available via NOW for those without a traditional TV subscription. The upcoming match promises to showcase the very best of women’s rugby league, building on the drama and excitement demonstrated by York and Wigan in this historic final.