BWSL: Rhinos v Valkyrie Semi-Final Preview

Leeds Rhinos will host York Valkyrie in the Betfred Women’s Super League Semi-Final this evening (18 September), as the pair battle it out for the remaining Grand Final spot against Wigan Warriors – live on Sky Sports (KO 5:15pm).

.@LeedsRhinos will host @YorkValkyrie for a place in the @Betfred Women's #SuperLeague Grand Final ? pic.twitter.com/iW13IeOqaF

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 13, 2026

The Warriors booked their place in the final last month after securing the League Leaders’ Shield with victory against the Rhinos.

Wigan have enjoyed another impressive campaign, heading into the competition’s final round undefeated.

But their unbeaten streak was brought to an end by the Valkyrie, who secured their semi-final spot with victory over the Warriors on Sunday and handed Wigan their first defeat in any competition this season:

“We've taken a lot of confidence in that must win match against Wigan last week, the efforts from our middle specifically, for the full 80 was incredible,” said York full-back Petra Woods.

“I think our staff, the organisation, and all the players are completely bought in leading into the semi-final fixture against Leeds.”

This weekend, the battle is on for the chance to play for the Super League title, with both sides fighting to reach their first final of the year.

“I'm feeling quite confident about the structure that we've got in place for the game,” added Woods.

“We're leading into it very similarly to how we did in the Wigan game because if we didn't, we would have not made it to the semi-final fixture.

“We've got that same mentality of a must win game against Leeds.

“We've played them throughout the season. I think both of us as organisations have had ups and downs

“I'm feeling good that the girls will be able to come in with that same strength that we showed against Wigan when we play off against Leeds tomorrow.”

The Canadian international made the move to York for the 2026 season and has plenty to be proud of after her first year in Super League:

“I pride myself in my defense and my yardage carries.

“I was grateful to receive the Back of the Year with the York Valkyrie for 2026, as it’s my first year in the Super League, I was very pleased and honoured. I think a lot of the women on our squad could be deserving of that as well.

“I've learned a lot under the new coaching staff, but most importantly, I've enjoyed my time around York city.

“I've had a lot of family and supporters, friends from back home come and visit me - I've just been a tourist all summer really! And I'm sad that my time is coming to a close now.”

After a tough season, the Valkyrie already have plenty to be proud of after reaching the semi-finals, but going one step further would be the icing on the cake after what has been a rollercoaster campaign:

“Our team this year has faced so much adversity and we've shown resilience in most of the challenges that we've faced.

“York is an organisation that has undergone so many changes in 2026, and I know that the efforts and the passion from our current leadership and all the years past, they'll be rooting for us to come away with a win this week.

“From 1 to 17 we'll be ready to put our best foot forward and earn that Grand Final spot.

“A lot of the girls have had such long careers with York, but all the way through to people like myself and Monique Donovan, where it's our first season here in the Super League, lifting the trophy would be such a career highlight for so many of us.

“We would be so proud of ourselves, our coaching staff, everyone who's believed in us since day one if we're able to pull this off first on Friday, and then through to the Grand Final.”

Betfred Women’s Super League – Semi-Final:

Friday 18 September

Leeds Rhinos v York Valkyrie – AMT Headingley Stadium, KO 5:15pm – live on Sky Sports

Tickets for the Betfred Women's Super League Grand Final are available here.