This Sunday sees the two most recent Betfred Women's Super League Grand Final winners, Leeds Rhinos and York Valkyrie, go head-to-head at the LNER Community Stadium, kick off 12pm.

In their first meeting since last year's finale, which York won 16-6, both sides have their unbeaten records in 2024 at stake as they started the new Super League season with two wins from two. 

Opposition

Heading into 2024 as the reigning Betfred Women's Super League Grand Final champions, York Valkyrie have a target on their backs as Lindsey Anfield's side look to become the first side in the competition's history to retain the title.

Even without influential captain Sinead Peach this season, as the hooker announced her pregnancy last month, the Valkyrie are still one of the favourites to be back at the Grand Final in October with a largely unchanged squad from 2023. England international and last season's top try scorer Tara-Jane Stanley remains one of the competition's leading talents, along with the likes of centre Tamzin Renouf, back rower Lacey Owen and prop Liv Wood who were rewarded for their on-field efforts with England selections last year. 

A key acquisition for this year is Eboni Partington, who made the move from St Helens in one of the big moves of the off-season. The winger helped Saints win two Challenge Cup titles in 2022 and 2023, scoring in both as well, but she made the move to York where she has started her try-scoring habits with six in five games.

Peach's season off the field also prompted the club to bring in former Canberra Raiders captain Remi Wilton, who brings a host of experience in both rugby league and rugby union.

After locking up a Betfred Women's Challenge Cup semi-final slot with wins over Featherstone twice and Sheffield, the Valkyrie have transferred their Cup form into the league with a winning start. Round one proved a test against St Helens as York dropped a 12-0 lead at half time to trail 16-14 heading into the final moments. Carrie Roberts, Emma Kershaw and Tamzin Renouf opened up the first half lead for the home side, but Katie Mottershead, Leah Burke and Rachael Woosey reacted to put Matty Smith's Saints side up in the second half. Saint Carrie Roberts found the match-winning score though to claim a 20-16 win.

A week later, four tries from Kershaw cemented a 28-8 win over Barrow Raiders on the road, before last weekend's break from league action saw them qualify for the Nines Finals Day with two wins and a draw.

This month sees matches against the Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants sandwich their Cup semi final meeting with St Helens in a week's time as Anfield's side look to reach their first Challenge Cup Final.

Round Two Highlights

Recent Meetings

2023 - York Valkyrie 16 Leeds Rhinos 6

2023 - York Valkyrie 12 Leeds Rhinos 12

2023 - Leeds Rhinos 34 York Valkyrie 12

2022 - York Valkyrie 4 Leeds Rhinos 12

2022 - Leeds Rhinos 14 York Valkyrie 22

2022 - York Valkyrie 24 Leeds Rhinos 10

2021 - Leeds Rhinos 22 York Valkyrie 18

2021 - York Valkyrie 14 Leeds Rhinos 4

2021 - Leeds Rhinos 68 York Valkyrie 16

2019 - Leeds Rhinos 30 York Valkyrie 0

2019 - York Valkyrie 0 Leeds Rhinos 50

2018 - York Valkyrie 6 Leeds Rhinos 50

2018 - Leeds Rhinos 80 York Valkyrie 0

Round Three Fixtures

Huddersfield Giants vs Wigan Warriors - Saturday 11th May, KO 12pm

Featherstone Rovers vs St Helens - Saturday 11th May, KO 2pm

Warrington Wolves vs Barrow Raiders - Sunday 12th May, KO 12pm

York Valkyrie vs Leeds Rhinos - Sunday 12th May, KO 12pm

Watch live on Sunday

Sunday's game will available to watch live from the LNER Community Stadium, courtesy of The Sportsman.

Click below or go to The Sportsman Rugby League channel to start watching on Sunday.

More information

Tickets for the game are available to buy online here under 'Visiting Fans Tickets', over the phone on 01904 950950, or in person during the week or on matchday from the ticket office within the main Leisure Hub. Tickets are for unallocated seating and are priced at £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and free for Under-16s. The game is part of a double header that sees York Knights take on Sheffield in the 1895 trophy afterwards too.

- Accessible area - Please contact York RLFC direct by calling 01904 950950

- Parking—Fans travelling to the game by car are asked to park in York's matchday car park (YO32 9JU), located within the Monks Cross Park and Ride site and is free of charge.

- Food and Drink— There are a range of food and drink options available in the stadium and also around the stadium. Card payments only.

- Dogs – Dogs are not allowed at the venue with exception of Guide Dogs