“As well as being physically strong you need to be mentally strong too” – Bethan Dainton previews Challenge Cup Semi-Finals

This weekend’s Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Semi-Finals will showcase more than just the best of Rugby League talent, they will also highlight the resilience of four women currently serving in the British Armed Forces.

Kaiya Glynn and Ella Donnelly from Leeds Rhinos, Carrie Roberts from York Valkyrie and Wigan Warriors’ Bethan Dainton will all take to the field this weekend with pride in both their clubs and their service careers.

Their journeys reflect the discipline and teamwork that exist at the heart of both Rugby League and the Armed forces, showing that commitment to service and success in elite sport can go hand in hand as they balance the demands of military life with the pressures of professional competition.

“I’m currently serving with the First Regiment Royal Horse Artillery who are based in Salisbury,” said Welsh International Dainton.

“I think it’s definitely helped my game in terms of being mentally strong because in the military you have to be mentally strong when you are serving overseas.

“I think that comes into play a lot when you’re on the pitch because as well as being physically strong you need to be mentally strong too. My job and playing Rugby League interact together a lot.”

Dainton, who joined the Warriors for the 2026 season after making the move from Leeds Rhinos, is currently tied for the most tries in this season’s Betfred Challenge Cup with six already scored in the first three games.

This weekend she’ll take on York Valkyrie alongside the rest of her squad in their first meet of the 2026 season:

“I’m looking forward to it, we know it’s going to be very physical especially in the pack so we think it will be an exciting game.

“I don’t think either team has been tested fully yet so it’ll be good to see how both teams get on with that added pressure.”

The chance to play at Wembley Stadium is a once in a lifetime opportunity for any player, but for Dainton, her focus is on the here and now as she takes each game one at a time:

“I think it would be amazing [to play at Wembley] and it’s always in the back of my mind but we have a big job on our hands on Saturday and we need to focus on that first before we can look forward.”

The Warriors are on strong form again this year after their outstanding 2025 season.  Dainton believes her side has exactly what is needed to go all the way and do it all again, and she is thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of it:

“I think we’ve absolutely got what it takes to do it again. Wigan had an incredible season last year but I think at the minute our focus is on the now.

“It’s a new year and new season and it’s the now that counts, but hopefully we can bring all three home.”

Also battling it out in the Semi-Finals are St Helens and Leeds Rhinos who face off at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster on Sunday (KO 1pm).

The pair last met in Round 7 of the Betfred Women’s Super League back in 2025, which proved a close battle between the two as Saints just got the edge at 20-22.

Both sides have frequented the Challenge Cup Final in recent years, meeting one another at Wembley for three consecutive seasons between 2022 and 2024. While the Red V emerged victorious on each occasion, none of those encounters came easily with the Rhinos pushing them all the way, and another stern test expected on Sunday.

With a place at Wembley Stadium awaiting this weekend’s victors, the race to the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final remains wide open. And more importantly, as Dainton reminds us: “Anything can happen in knock-out Rugby League.”

Betfred Women's Challenge Cup Semi-Finals:

Saturday 9 May

Wigan Warriors v York Valkyrie – Halliwell Jones Stadium – KO 11:30am (BBC iPlayer)

Sunday 10 May

St Helens v Leeds Rhinos – Eco-Power Stadium – KO 1pm (BBC iPlayer)

It's Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 30 May 2026. Book your tickets here!