Rhinos Women miss out on automatic Nines Finals spot

A young Leeds Rhinos Women side missed out on an automatic spot in the Nines Finals Day after suffering a 6-11 defeat to St Helens in their qualifying game on Sunday at Warrington's Victoria Park. 

The qualifying tournament saw teams from the Women's Super League, Championship and regional competitions face each other in the abbreviated form of the game. 

This year's teams have been split into four qualifying groups. All eight Betfred Women's Super League sides will be involved, plus Leigh Leopards, Hull KR and Salford Red Devils have qualified from the Championship North, and London Broncos and Cardiff Demons are in from Championship South. Widnes Vikings from League One as well as Telford Raiders and Leamington Royals, who represent the Midlands.

Group 1

Warrington Wolves, York Valkyrie, Leigh Leopards, Widnes Vikings 

Group 2 

Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, Telford Raiders, Leamington Royals  

Group 3 

Barrow Raiders, Featherstone Rovers, Cardiff Demons, Hull KR 

Group 4 

Wigan Warriors, Huddersfield Giants, London Broncos, Salford Red Devils 

With the top team from each group gaining the automatic spots for Finals Day, the match up between Leeds and St Helens was always going to decisive. However, despite the loss, the Rhinos could gain a place at Finals Day as one of two Wildcards. 

The Rhinos other results were 52-2 win over Leamington Royals and 35-6 win against Telford Raiders. The afternoon saw a welcome return to action for Orla McCallion. Orla made her first appearance with Leeds Rhinos Women since 2022 after almost two years after an operation for compartment syndrome.

Head Coach Lois Forsell used the Nines tournament to give a number of the club's young stars from the Academy a chance to impress, including Grace Short and Lily Thompson from Oulton Raiders, Faye Barraclough from Dewsbury Moor, Angel Bentley from Illingworth, Tilly Brown from Fryston and Tilly Davies from Stanningley.

Last season saw Leeds Rhinos lift the Women’s Nines trophy following a 21-8 defeat of Wigan Warriors in the Final at Salford Stadium and Leeds will be hoping to retain that title if selected as a wildcard for Finals Day on Saturday 27 July.