Dani McGifford set for Wembley debut | 2025 Betfred Women's Challenge Cup

Will St Helens Women claim five Challenge Cups in a row?

Dani McGifford signed for St Helens Women back in 2023 having never played a game of Rugby League before - but since then she has been in and around the squad that have gone on to win four Challenge Cup trophies in a row, but she is yet to feature at Wembley Stadium.

The winger is hoping to make her debut at the national stadium this Saturday (7 June) when the Red V face rivals Wigan Warriors in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final (11.45am KO) and is relishing what could lie ahead.

“I'm really proud of this group of girls” said 30-year-old McGifford. “Obviously, it takes a lot to keep getting there, doesn't it? I'm excited more than anything – to get the chance to walk out on the pitch for the first time is going to mean a lot.”

After spending some time at Huddersfield Giants last season, 2025 has seen the Wales international break into the first team following England international winger Leah Burke’s ACL injury. 

McGifford has taken the opportunity with both hands, scoring the opening try against York Valkyrie in their latest Betfred Women’s Super League clash which has helped boost the mood in camp going into Finals week.

“I think obviously if we'd not played well and we'd come away with the loss, I think maybe a couple of nerves and doubts might have creeped in. I think playing well and getting that important win will help our confidence going forward. 

“We've had a couple of tricky games in Super League already, so we know we can compete in a tough contest. We can battle set for set and come out on top so that's also giving us confidence.”

St Helens have been a formidable force when it comes to the Challenge Cup in recent years and they don’t intend on giving up the trophy anytime soon.

“With our group, we know how talented the rest of the league is. We know we have to be on the top of our game to get close to beating some of these teams now,” admitted McGifford.

“We’ve got some players in our team that haven't experienced that Wembley win. There's obviously a couple of the girls that come from Leeds this season who have been on the other side of the Wembley experience. So, they're hungrier than ever to have that winning feeling.

“Even myself, I haven't played there before I had to sit and watch. So even though it's something as a team we’ve done before, we know how that feels, and we don't want to have that feeling taken off us.”

Hoping to spoil the party will be a Wigan Warriors side who have a 100% record in both the Challenge Cup and Super League this season and Saints are on high alert for the threat that lies ahead...

“Wigan have a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of speed. Their players are not afraid to shift the ball. I think we've got to really try and control the speed of the game. We need to defend as a unit and hopefully don't give them those gaps that they can find and run through because they are very dangerous in those areas.”

In her first rugby league match McGifford scored a brace of tries in a 76-0 2023 pre-season victory over Bradford Bulls. She went on to make four more appearances in 2024, boasting an astounding ten tries for her efforts but an appearance at Wembley Stadium would be the best moment yet.

“We all really enjoy each other’s company and are a close-knit group. So, the fact that you get to experience that with your mates in such an iconic venue with all the press around it, it's phenomenal.”

St Helens meet Wigan Warriors in the 2025 Betfred Women's Challenge Cup Final on Saturday 7 June (K.O. 11.45am) and will be shown LIVE on BBC Two.

Expect the Unexpected in the Betfred Women's Challenge Cup!

It's Finals Day at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 7 June. Be at Wembley for both the Men's and Women's Challenge Cup Finals, as well as the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final and RFL Champion Schools Year 7 Boys Final, and purchase your tickets here!