Match Report - Leeds 0 - 12 York Valkyrie

Tries from Liv Wood, Adaoha Akwiwu, in addition to penalty and conversion from Tara Jane Stanley sees York Valkyrie win Women’s Super League semi-final at Leeds Rhinos; Watch Grand Final between Wigan and York live on Sky Sports on Sunday September 27 (5.30pm kick-off)

Last Updated: 18/09/26 7:30pm

York Valkyrie travelled to Leeds Rhinos and posted a superb victory to progress to this year’s Women’s Super League Grand Final

York Valkyrie are through to the 2026 Women’s Super League Grand Final against Wigan Warriors following a superb 12-0 semi-final away victory over Leeds Rhinos.

York will now face defending champions Wigan in the Grand Final at the Brick Community Stadium on Sunday September 27 (5.30pm kick-off), live on Sky Sports.

York, who were beaten 38-16 by Leeds on August 8, and 44-0 by Wigan a week later on August 15, have totally turned fortunes around since, defeating Leeds at home, St Helens away and Wigan at home before sealing semi-final success.

The opening 21 minutes proved scoreless at Headingley in a tight contest, before York’s Liv Wood twisted, turned and wrestled over to ground the ball for a try in the 22nd minute. Tara Jane Stanley converted for the full haul.

As the first half drew to a close and with Leeds camped on the York try-line on the verge of a try, a grubber-kick on the last by Leeds’ Ruby Walker proved a poor one and allowed Stanley to gather and run clear.

Instead, York were next to add points as Stanley struck a penalty superbly from distance for a lead of 8-0 three minutes from the end of the half.

Eight minutes into the second half, Stanley accelerated forward and forced her way over for York’s second try and clear daylight on the scoreboard – but the Video Ref then proved via replays she lost control in the act of scoring to rule it out.

Buoyed by their reprieve, Leeds came back attacking hard at York, but Valkyrie defended superbly to keep their two-score lead intact.

On the hour mark, Leeds’ Georgia Elliston powered her way over under the sticks for a try, but again the score was ruled out by the Video Ref, who ruled obstruction.

York then wrapped up victory through Adaoha Akwiwu’s try as she burst through off a Stanley short-ball pass for a 12-0 advantage.

With six minutes remaining, Leeds’ Ebony Stead appeared to charge over for a try out wide to give Rhinos brief hope, but for a third time on the night the Video Ref ruled out a score, as replays proved Stead had lost control of the ball while going over.

The contest ended on a sour note for York too, with the news Stanley – their standout performer on the night – had failed a Head Injury Assessment (HIA), ruling her out of the Grand Final.

York proved the better side defensively and in attack on the day vs Leeds

Pryce: Nobody gave us a chance – we’ve made it against all odds

York Valkyrie head coach Leon Pryce to 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.”

Wigan trio make up shortlist for 2026 Woman of Steel

Wigan Warriors will dominate the 2026 Woman of Steel awards, with three players from the reigning Women’s Super League champions shortlisted for the competition’s most prestigious individual honour.

Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter and Megan Williams have all been named on the three-player shortlist ahead of Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester, which will take place on the evening of Tuesday September 29.

Foubister’s nomination comes after another influential season at the heart of Wigan’s attack in 2026. The 19-year-old half-back contributed a return of nine tries in 18 appearances across all competitions and has continued to establish herself as one of the leading playmakers in the women’s game. Foubister also produced a Player of the Match performance in the Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, creating two tries and providing three line-break assists as the Warriors lifted the trophy for a second time.

Reigning Woman of Steel Hunter has enjoyed another prolific campaign under Denis Betts, crossing for 23 tries in all competitions. The dynamic second-rower has continued to showcase her devastating pace, powerful ball-carrying and defensive intensity throughout the season, while also writing her name into the history books by becoming the first woman to score four tries in a Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.

Williams’ place on the Woman of Steel shortlist follows a remarkable first two seasons with the Cherry & White, having quickly established herself as one of the competition’s most consistent forwards. Since joining the club ahead of the 2025 campaign from St Helens, the England Knights international has become a key figure in Betts’ side. The loose forward has scored four tries since the competition split into the Super Four phase, helping Wigan maintain their push for another historic season.

Watch the Women’s Super League Grand Final between Wigan Warriors and York Valkyrie live on Sky Sports on Sunday September 27, with kick-off at 5.30pm.

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