Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final – going live to viewers in Northern and Southern hemispheres

Earlier this year today’s finalists served up a Challenge Cup semi-final thriller at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium, the Rhinos holding off a tremendous York City Knights fightback to win 28-26.  

The two sides were separated only by a 71st minute penalty goal from Courtney Winfield-Hill in what was a pulsating match from start to finish. Is it too much to expect more of the same at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium on Sunday?  

Finals billed in advance as potential classics often disappoint. Yet this one has all the crucial ingredients – and will be broadcast live on both sides of the world. UK viewers can catch all the action on Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Mix, while Down Under the match will be shown live on Fox League.  

Both sides are full of confidence. York City Knights from lifting the League Leaders’ Shield at the end of the regular season; Leeds Rhinos from outplaying their nemesis St Helens in the play-off semi-final.  

Both sides offer contrasting styles. The Rhinos had the most prolific attack in 2022’s regular season; York the meanest defence.   

Both sides are packed with talent. The City Knights include three 2022 Woman of Steel contenders in Hollie Dodd, Sinead Peach and Tara Jane Stanley. And while the Rhinos own Woman of Steel nominee Georgia Roche misses out through injury, Young Player of the Year contenders Keara Bennett and Fran Goldthorp are among a number of players the City Knights must keep a close eye on.  

And both sides are highly motivated. Leeds are desperate to erase the memories of successive defeats to St Helens – in last year’s Grand Final and in this year’s Challenge Cup Final. York are equally determined to back up their League Leaders’ Shield with the biggest prize of all.  

Then there are the head coaches. Today’s Grand Final is the first to feature two female head coaches in Lindsay Anfield and Lois Forsell – and both are shortlisted for the first Betfred Women’s Super League Coach (BWSL) of the Year award. But that’s where the similarities end.  

Anfield is vastly experienced, having been with Castleford Tigers for five years before moving to York City Knights, and in 2019 received the first RFL President’s Award from Andy Burnham in recognition of her pioneering role in Women’s Rugby League.  

Former England international Forsell was a member of the Bradford Bulls team who won the inaugural Women’s Super League in 2017 and succeeded Adam Cuthbertson as head coach of the Rhinos in 2020. The Covid pandemic put paid to her debut season in 2020, but Lois has since taken her side to consecutive grand finals and a Challenge Cup Final at Elland Road earlier this year. 

Having won both Betfred Women’s Super League encounters with Leeds Rhinos this season, York City Knights clearly have what it takes to win Sunday’s Grand Final. The Rhinos, having beaten the City Knights in that memorable Challenge Cup semi-final, plus reigning champions St Helens in the recent play-off semi-final, know that they too have every reason to feel confident.  

Sunday’s Grand Final kicks off at 3.30pm and follows the Women’s Super League Shield Final which kicks off at 12.30pm. Admission is only £10 Adults (£5 Concessions) and FREE for Under 16s.  

The match programme can be downloaded here!