BWSL Women’s preview: Semi-finals

The semi-finals for the Betfred Women’s Super League take place this Sunday (21 September) as the top four battle for their place in the 2025 Grand Final on Sunday 5 October – live on Sky Sports (KO 5.30pm).

League Leaders’ Shield winners Wigan Warriors will welcome Leeds Rhinos to The Brick Community Stadium after securing that all important home advantage (KO 7:30pm).

The last time Wigan met Leeds was back in round 9 where the Power sisters, Tiana and Shaniah, helped the Cherry and Whites to a flying start, building a 10-0 lead in the opening 10 minutes.

Molly Jones and Mia-Jayne Atherton added another two in quick succession to extend the Warriors’ lead, before Lucy Murray charged through to put Leeds on the board just before the break.

After the break Wigan regained control and Grace Banks made it onto the scoresheet extending their lead to 30-6. The Rhinos remained hopeful, adding ten late points to their tally, but their final efforts proved unsuccessful and Denis Betts’ side emerged victorious.

Leeds have lost to Wigan twice this season but, having reflected on their games, Rhinos’ captain Caitlin Beevers believes her side know what they need to do to make it to the Grand Final for the sixth time:

“You can’t take it away from Wigan, they are a good side, but we saw the other week that they’re not unbeatable

“I know that they did win, but looking back at the times that we’ve played them, it was such a close fought battle - on review we know where we could be better

“I think that we do have the girls to do it and we’re really excited to take to the pitch and put out a good performance, so we get to that Grand Final.

“The last time we were able to do that was in 2022 and it was an unforgettable day - we want to be able to replicate that and show the younger girls that this is what professional sports looks like.

“For me, to be able to lead my team out and get to the Grand final and win, that would definitely be the cherry on top of what has been personally, a pretty tough season.”

Also fighting for a place in the Grand Final are St Helens and York Valkyrie, who meet at the Totally Wicked Stadium (KO 5pm). Saints finished the regular season hot on the tails of Wigan Warriors, just one point behind the league leaders.

The Red V hosted York just three weeks ago in Round 12, where only a penalty from the Valkyrie’s Rhiannion Marshall separated the sides at half time. After the restart, Saints came back fighting but the visitors extended their lead 0-8 as Savannah Andrade battled the defence to score the first try of the game.

But pressure began to build and as gaps started to appear in York’s defence, Saints took advantage and started to take their first control of the game.

A short pass from Luci McColm saw Phoebe Hook dive in the corner giving St Helens the lead for the first time at 10-8.

With just two points separating the two a tense battle emerged, but not before long Hook was in perfect position again, as a hit-out pass from Caitin Casey saw her get her brace, before a penalty kick from Faye Gaskin sealed their victory at 18-8.

York Valkyrie might be the underdogs going into this weekend, but they certainly shouldn’t be ruled out, especially after their mighty win against Wigan in Round 11 – their only loss of the season.

Don’t miss the intense battle for a place in the 2025 Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final – live on Sky Sports.