Round 1 Round-Up

Wigan Warriors recorded an impressive Betfred Women’s Super League opening round win against back-to-back champions York Valkyrie in the season opener.

Six days after booking a place in the Women’s Challenge Cup final with a 44-14 semi-final win over Leeds Rhinos, Denis Betts' side left the reigning champions reeling at the Brick Community Stadium.

In an explosive first half, the 2023 and 2024 champions Valkyrie conceded five tries as Wigan dominated possession and the game.

It was 13 minutes before Molly Jones went over after a break and assist from Ellise Derbyshire, but Wigan had another through Eva Hunter four minutes later, and a third after Tiana Power's dazzling run from the right flank to score.

If it was an opening period that left York stunned, a try from Grace Banks, with a strong finish through two tackles, and an Emily Veivers score after she reacted quickest to a loose ball a minute from the break left them flattened.

Shania Power matched her sister's first-half try on 51 minutes and Banks claimed a second, both converted, to put Wigan 40-0 to the good in the closing stages.

Second half kicks off and this time Shaniah Power keeps the tries coming for @WiganWarriorsRL ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/g7jBfkwtHk

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 16, 2025

A consolation try from Savannah Andrade three minutes before the buzzer, with Ellie Williamson adding two points, allowed the visitors, who had won on their past five visits to Wigan, little consolation.

Vicky Whitfield's late try helped St Helens complete their fight back from 10 points down to secure a 20-20 draw with Leeds Rhinos.

Lucinda McColm converted Whitfield's second try of the day to earn last season's beaten Women's Super League Grand Finalists a share of the points at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Tries from Keara Bennett and Izzy Northrop gave the visitors a commanding start against a Saints team that had booked their place in a fifth straight Challenge Cup final with victory against York Valkyrie a week earlier.

Whitfield pulled a try back to make it 10-4 at the break, only for Melanie Howard to extend Rhinos' lead immediately after the break.

Shona Hoyle responded for Saints with a try against her former side before Ebony Stead grabbed the visitors' fourth score of the day.

A lovely @leedsrhinos try ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/Ppw9Ytzgw9

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 17, 2025

McColm, however, went on to make a huge impact with a crucial try of her own before landing the decisive conversion.

Leigh Leopards marked their return to the top flight following promotion last season with an impressive 42-10 victory over Barrow Raiders at Leigh Sports Village.

A hat-trick from Leopards wing Hattie Dogus, two tries apiece from full-back Becky Greenfield and Kate Howard, and tries from centres Mackenzie Taylor and Mollie Young did the bulk of the damage.

Charlotte Melvin kicked three goals as Leigh went second in the table behind Wigan Warriors after the first round of matches.

Huddersfield Giants defeated Warrington Wolves 40-30 in a closely fought match at the Halliwell Jones Stadium to go third in the table.

The Giants had trailed 16-18 at the break but came back strongly in the second period.

Despite their defeat, Warrington produced an improved performance under new manager Ged Ginty given they finished last season with a run of eight losses, including five defeats without scoring.