Betfred Women's Challenge Cup semi-finals
An eye-catching pair of Betfred Women's Challenge Cup finals are in store this weekend as St Helens take on Leeds Rhinos and York City Knights clash with Castleford Tigers at York's LNER Community Stadium.
An extra edge is sure to be present as the Tigers and the Knights go head-to-head with five players sending a shock across Women's Rugby League by swapping Castleford for York earlier this month.
The Knights felt the boost from their new recruits almost immediately as they battled past Wigan in a 30-24 win to reach the final four two weeks ago.
The Tigers reacted to the loss of a host of stars by winning 26-6 against Warrington and sealing their semi-final spot.
"They're both going to be very tasty," said Andrea Dobson of the semi-finals, the former England star and part of the commentary team this weekend.
"Lindsay being director of rugby, having that title in a women's set-up is just a massive thing for women's rugby league in itself," Dobson told this week's BBC Radio 5 Live Rugby League podcast.
"But five players have followed Lindsay from Castleford to York, and they've signed two from Bradford as well.
"That's very much bolstered York's squad this season. Traditionally they've been a team who have never really been in that top flight, never had those England players and have struggled a little bit in the Women's Super League.
"The timing of the move of those players has been an issue for some people. It happened after the season had started, so it will be an interesting one.
"It will be interesting to see how Castleford react to that, losing some of their key players.
"There will still be a little way to go for York, getting a little bit of cohesion between those players.
"But it's not a bad thing for women's rugby league. I've always been a big advocate of spreading the England players out. That can only bolster the league and make it better."
The final will be played on Saturday, June 5 at Leigh Sports Village and will be shown live on BBC Two.
Betfred Women's Challenge Cup semi-finals - Saturday, May 22:
- Castleford Tigers v York City Knights - 12.30pm
- Leeds Rhinos vs St Helens - 3pm
- Live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport
