Wigan Warriors v York Valkyrie: Challenge Cup Match Preview

3 days ago
2 min read

York Valkyrie take on Wigan Warriors for a place in the Betfred Challenge Cup Final at Wembley, on Saturday 9th May (11.30am) at the Halliwelll Jones Stadium in Warrington!

The semi final tie brings Leon Pryce’s side up against the reigning cup holders, who also went on to win the Betfred Super League League Leaders Shield and Grand Final in 2025.

The Warriors lost just one game in the whole of last season, and that was against York in a league game in August, when the Valkyrie ran out 32-10 winners.

Wigan created history when they beat St.Helens 42-6 at Wembley last year, winning the trophy for the first time.

They’ve begun their defence this year with group wins over Featherstone Rovers and Cardiff Demons, before a huge 112-0 win over London Broncos in the quarter-finals. Half-back, Izzy Brennan kicked a club record 18 goals in that game.

York beat Barrow 54-12 in their group game to progress to the quarter finals as group winners, before beating Huddersfield Giants 34-10.

It’s the sixth consecutive year the Valkyrie have reached this stage of the competition, and they’ve progressed to the final only once. That was in 2021, when they were beaten by St.Helens at Leigh Sports Village.

They’ve since come close to going through, losing by just two points to Leeds Rhinos in the semi final in 2022, and then by just one point to St.Helens in 2023.

A win for York would take them to Wembley for the first time in their history, where they would meet the winners of the second semi-final between Leeds Rhinos and St.Helens.

Like York, Wigan boast international experience in their squad, with highly rated halfbacks, Izzy Rowe and Jenna Foubister alongside the likes of winger, Anna Davies and captain, Georgia Wilson. Reigning woman of steel, Eva Hunter is still to feature this season though, as she recovers from a hamstring problem.

Valkyrie full back, Tara-Jane Stanley is still continuing her return from knee surgery, and Emma Kershaw is still ruled out with injury.

However, Leon Pryce is still expected to be able to select from a strong squad, so it promises to be a real battle for a place in the show-piece event at the end of May.

Come and support the Valkyrie in the Betfred Women's Challenge Cup semi-final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington, on Saturday 9th May (11.30am)!

They're just 80 minutes from Wembley!

Get your tickets for Wigan Warriors v York Valkyrie HERE!

Follow York RLFC this season in Betfred Super League and the Betfred Women's Super League!