BWSL: Round 5 Preview

With just three rounds to go of the regular season, the Betfred Women’s Super League is heating up as the current top four sides clash in a weekend full of competitive matches.

Leaders Wigan Warriors open the weekend when they take on York Valkyrie at LNER Community Stadium (KO 12pm).

It’ll be a tough test for the Valkyrie who were unable to put any points on the scoreboard when the pair met in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Semi-Finals back in May. 

This weekend they’ll be hoping to right some wrongs as they come back stronger with important lessons learnt from that game.

Opening Sunday are St Helens who host Leeds Rhinos in another close battle after also clashing in the Challenge Cup Semi-Finals (KO 12pm).

A key part of that game, Saints' Prop Erin McDonald is keen to help her side achieve another impressive display against the Rhinos:

“The season’s really good, it’s been quite competitive so far, we’ve had some good games.

“I’m looking forward to this weekend, Leeds are always a good game, they’re a good competitive side.

“It’s a good challenge, I know all the girls are excited, it’s always a game you look for in your calendar.

“You’ve got to stay on the ball with Leeds. They’ve got some good players, they’re strong in the middle with quick middles so it’s just making sure not to switch off and to keep our eye on the game.”

After scoring a late brace in that hard-fought Semi-Final, McDonald will be eager to deliver another standout performance, having taken great pride from her display in that match:

“My proudest moment so far would be either getting Young Player of the Year last year or I’d say scoring against Leeds in the Semi-Final, that was a proud moment.

"I hadn’t scored in a long time so to get two I was quite impressed.

“I just want to play well and do well for the team and see what it leads to.”

Also facing off this weekend are Leigh Leopards and Barrow Raiders (KO 1:30pm). 

The pair last met in Round 9 of the 2025 season in a fiercely contested match which saw the Raiders take the edge following a dominant second half.

Hoping to turn the tables this weekend, the Leopards will be looking to sharpen up their game after a series of initial errors left them playing catch up.

The final game of the weekend sees Huddersfield Giants take on Featherstone Rovers at Laund Hill (KO 2pm).

Sitting just two points behind the Valkyrie in fifth place, the Giants will be looking to capitalise against the Rovers and add another important two points as they push for a place in the top four before the season splits.

Round 5 Fixtures:

Saturday 20 June

York Valkyrie v Wigan Warriors – LNER Community Stadium, KO 12pm

Leigh Leopards v Barrow Raiders – Leigh Miners Rangers, KO 1:30pm

Huddersfield Giants v Featherstone Rovers – Laund Hill, KO 2pm

Sunday 21 June

St Helens v Leeds Rhinos – The BrewDog Stadium, KO 12pm

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