BWSL: Welcome Williamson

York Valkyrie will begin their mission to retain the Betfred Women’s Super League trophy this Friday, and new recruit Ellie Williamson is hoping to bring the spark.

Williamson joined the Valkyrie in the off-season after spending last year with the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs in the Harvey Norman Premiership, and has previously been at St. George Illawarra Dragons, where she made one appearance in the NRLW in 2023.

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?? York Valkyrie are proud to announce the signing of Ellie Williamson thanks to the support of Squadbuilder!

? More details available at https://t.co/fh0cOZ7irC#RiseUp | #WeAreYork pic.twitter.com/IMiRdofPls

— York RLFC Valkyrie (@YorkValkyrie) February 8, 2025

The Aussie halfback possesses a strong attacking prowess – something the Valkyrie are looking to build on in the new campaign – and Williamson can’t wait to be at the heart of the action:

“I’ve played in the NRLW with St George – that was a great experience, and I loved it. I was living it up in Australia and then Lindsey Anfield reached out to me, and she’s been great.

“York’s style of rugby sounded exactly like what I wanted to play and what I had been playing previously.

“I thought it was a good step for me and a really good way to get back into it.”

The York way may have been what attracted and caught the eye of Williamson, but she admits that prior to this moment, she had no intentions of ever paying a visit here:

“It’s taken some time to get used to the weather is what I will say!” Williamson said.

 “I’d never actually been to England before. I’d never thought I'd even come over here. I wasn't really interested, and it wasn’t initially my scene.

“But as soon as I came over here, I fell in love with it. It’s different but it’s great.

“I knew about the Men's Super League, so I’ve always watched that.”

The Valkyrie are hoping to achieve a historic three-peat in 2025, and if they were to go on and record three Super League titles in a row, then it would be a first for the women’s competition.

“It’s definitely excited me knowing that York have been winning trophies. York are a lovely club and they’re doing amazing things.

“Everyone’s hungry for more this year.”

Williamson, who will don the number 7 shirt for 2025, is set to partner Sade Rihari in the halves and has already been forming lovely combinations with her teammates.

There has already been glimpses of what York are capable of this year, despite falling just short in the Betfred Challenge Cup Semi-Finals last Sunday, to current holders and league rivals St Helens.

“Sade Rihari has been such good guidance for me, she’s lovely! She always makes sure I’m alright and makes sure I’ve not been getting left behind.

“We’re taking it step by step and staying strong.”

On what she can bring the Women’s Super League, she said:

“I hope I can bring excitement, and I can be a bit cheeky, you know? I want to bring the game up and just make every make sure everyone's happy.

 “I’d love to be able to bring those positive vibes and a real good energy.”

There’s no doubt York will be up at the top of the table challenging once again, but how much does Williamson know about the opposition she will be facing?

“I’ve had a bit of a low down on some of the teams. There’s a lot of talk about Leeds and Wigan in particular – I think those are the two hardest ones we’ll be aiming to beat.

“And there's Saints too who York went on to beat in last year’s Grand Final.”

Looking ahead to Round 1, champions York will open their 2025 campaign by travelling to face Wigan Warriors at The Brick Community Stadium, live on Sky Sports.

“Life has been so boring without footy. I’ve been watching the NRL in the meantime. I grew up a die-hard Brisbane Broncos fan!

“I’m excited for the first round. It’s going to be a great game on TV which is always nice, isn’t it?

“Hopefully we can kickstart our season with a win which would be really nice!”

Can York complete a three-peat?

The Betfred Women's Super League will return this weekend, and Williamson’s Valkyrie will make the trip to Wigan Warriors in Round 1 (Friday 16 May) at The Brick Community Stadium, live on Sky Sports (K.O. 5.30pm).

The full fixture list for the Betfred Women's Super League can be found here.