BWSL: Renouf ready for Round 12

This weekend (30 August), St Helens host York Valkyrie in a 2024 Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final rematch which promises to be another thrilling chapter in their growing rivalry.

The Valkyrie have already showcased their title-defending intent with a commanding win over Wigan Warriors last weekend - and this next match against St Helens could be crucial in their fight for a third consecutive Grand Final win.

St Helens are currently the only team in the league left undefeated. But after taking that title from Wigan last weekend, the Valkyrie are confident they also have what it takes to do the just same to the Red V.

Saints and York have a history of intense match-ups - since last year’s Grand Final, the two have met twice, including in the Betfred Challenge Cup semi-final where St Helens edged through to make it to Wembley Stadium.

But, after last weekend’s triumph against the Warriors, York Valkyrie centre Tamzin Renouf is eager to demonstrate exactly what her team are capable of:

“We worked really hard to get to that point since losing to Wigan earlier in the season.

“I think we had the confidence and belief that we could go into that game and knock them, and we did that.

“It’s exciting to be coming into form near the back end of the season.

“Every team within the top four is always a strong and competitive game. We know how strong Saints are and hopefully we can put what we did last week into practice again against them.”

Renouf believes that having a strong internal focus is key to performing well in these high-stakes clashes.

“We focused on ourselves to get to Wigan so it’s about doing everything the same again.

“You do have to look at the opponents but it’s more about what we’re doing. We’ve always believed in ourselves so we’re just going to keep doing that.”

The centre’s career with York began in 2021 when she made the switch from Castleford Tigers to join the Valkyrie. Since the move she has steadily grown into one of the team’s most dangerous attacking threats.

In 2023, she finished the season as York’s top try scorer, earning both the Top Try Scorer and Back of the Year awards. Her form earned her a recall to the England squad, where she impressed with tries against France and Wales during the 2023 international season.

Despite being sidelined by injury for part of the 2024 campaign, Renouf made a strong return late in the season, slotting seamlessly back into the side and continuing to make an impact in key fixtures. She played an important role in helping the Valkyrie secure back-to-back Women’s Super League Grand Final victories, cementing her status as a standout performer on the biggest stage.

“Having the experience of winning the two Grand Finals back-to-back, I think I am seen as more of an experienced player within the squad - Lindsay [Anfield] says that’s why she plays me at half because of my knowledge of the game.

“Hopefully that helps and inspires the younger girls in the squad.”

With Saints topping the league table, York Valkyrie still have a fight on their hands if they want to make it to the Grand Final.

But Renouf is excited for the fight ahead as they power forward in the Final Charge.

“We quite like the title of being the underdogs, it gives us a bit of fire in our bellies.

“Saints are a really strong team, but we’ve worked so hard and we are so tight knit as a squad.

“I think as a team we know how to finish off the season on a high. We’re going to go out there and do the best we can.

“We’re focusing on ourselves, and we want the best end to the season possible - that’s what we’re going to go out and do with this last run.”

Don’t miss this blockbuster clash streamed LIVE on The Sportsman this Saturday (K.O. 12pm), as the Saints and the Valkyrie continue their Final Charge!