BWSL: Round 1 Preview

The long-awaited Betfred Women's Super League kicks off this Friday! Which game are you most looking forward to?

The @Betfred Women's #SuperLeague Round 1 Fixtures ?

Including @YorkValkyrie ? @Saints1890women live on @TheSportsman ? pic.twitter.com/NF0A7UONo5
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 16, 2024

The fresh-looking competition will make a triumphant return this weekend with many exciting changes and progressions in the off-season...

York Valkyrie v St Helens

Reigning Super League Champions York Valkyrie will launch their title defence against Challenge Cup holders St Helens, who recently announced their players would be paid in 2024, at the LNER Community Stadium on Sunday (21 April) - two teams who will be eyeing up the silverware this year.

This stand out tie will be broadcast live on The Sportsman, as two of the competition's top sides go head-to-head in a blockbuster clash.

York captain, Sinead Peach, topped off what was already a fantastic season when she was crowned the Woman of Steel for 2023 and she's looking forward to getting their campaign underway:  

"It's been a long pre-season but we're raring to go and we can't wait to get started. It was an amazing season last year for us as a club, but we'll be taking every game as it comes, it's a long season. We'll be setting our own targets and boundaries as a team, and we'll keep pushing each other and see what happens as the season goes on."

Leeds Rhinos v Huddersfield Giants

Leeds Rhinos kick their season off on Friday when they host Huddersfield Giants at AMT Headingley  Stadium in a double header with the Men's. The Giants recorded a historic win against the Rhinos at Headingley last year with 19-year-old Amelia Brown crossing for a hat-trick against their local rivals. Their captain, Bethan Oates, believes they have what it takes to compete with the best, speaking at the season launch she explained:  

"I'm excited, this pre-season is probably the best I've had in five years so I'm looking forward to seeing what the girls can do. We want to be a known team; we know there's three top clubs in the competition and credit to them they've earnt that, but we also want to be one of those teams that's up there and causing upsets."

As a revamped Giants prepare for their Round 1 clash, the Rhinos will be more determined than ever for success this season, as they suffered double heartache in both major finals last year. Expect a thrilling Round 1 encounter, as well as a tasty West Yorkshire derby!

Wigan Warriors v Barrow Raiders

On the same day Amanda Wilkinson's Barrow Raiders begin life in the top flight with a tough trip to her old club Wigan Warriors, who now has Denis Betts at the helm. The Warriors will make history during their opening game when they walk out at the DW Stadium for the first time and Rachel Thompson has been pinching herself since the announcement:

"It's massive, I think it's something as a small child you couldn't even dream of because you couldn't see it, so it was never something that was out there."

"People have asked me how it's going to feel, and the honest answer is, I don't know. It'll be emotional and it's something that the girls are all looking forward to. It is just like any other game, but it's extra special."

These two sides have already faced each other one this season - with Wigan clinching a 18-20 win in Women's Challenge Cup group stage.

What are your aims this season? ?@WiganWarriorsRL's Rachel Thompson and @BarrowRaiders' Jodie Litherland talk us through what they hope to achieve in the 2024 Women's #SuperLeague ? pic.twitter.com/FS7kYeOssQ
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 16, 2024

Warrington Wolves v Featherstone Rovers

Armani Sharrock will also face a promoted side during her first Super League game in charge of Warrington Wolves who host last year's Group Two Champions Featherstone Rovers at Victoria Park on Sunday. Having taken over the reigns from former coach Lee Stafford last September, Sharrock is looking forward to making a fresh start this season: 

"We want to be more competitive this year. During pre-season, we have looked at our standards and behaviour and the way we conduct ourselves. Now it's up to the girls to play rugby and get closer to that top three."

With the competition expanding to eight teams in 2024, the league campaign will have 14 rounds, concluding on the weekend of September 14/15 before the top four face off in the Semi-Finals on September 20/21 for a spot in this year's Grand Final on Sunday October 6. 

For each team's squad numbers and signings, see the 'Women's News' section for more information.

Fans can also find the Betfred Women's Super League fixtures here.