BWSL Semi-Finals: Caitlin Casey

Four Betfred Women’s Super League (BWSL) teams will battle it out in the semi-finals this Sunday (September 22), with Leeds Rhinos set to entertain York Valkyrie (KO 3.30pm) in a rematch of last year’s Grand Final. 

York had been the bridesmaids at a number of major occasions in recent seasons, including the 2022 Grand Final when they were beaten by the Rhinos. 

But after securing home advantage by winning the League Leaders’ Shield, they produced a tough and clinical performance to eventually defeat their opponents 16-6 with young Leeds half-back Caitlin Casey scoring their only try of the day. 

Whilst she suffered disappointment in that Grand Final, just a few days later Casey was named BWSL Young Player of the Year at the annual Rugby League Awards and is now a regular starter for the Yorkshire side. 

“I’ve felt a lot more comfortable this year,” said 19-year-old Casey: “I've not had those first season nerves. But now people know how I play I’m against them, and they know what you can do because you're not the new player on the block anymore.”  

“The season has been difficult at times, but I've really enjoyed it, and I feel like I'm getting to find some form again at the back end of the year.” 

The half-back produced a Player of the Match performance during the Rhinos' defeat of Wigan Warriors last Friday – crossing the whitewash early on from close-range after a break by Ella Donnelly. 

With a dummy, Casey gets the first try down for @leedsrhinos to kick them off with a good start ?#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/VwZzBDLVtj

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 13, 2024

“I was really pleased to be named Player of the Match last weekend. I wanted to play well on Sky Sports - especially against Wigan Warriors as I know they’re also into the semi-finals. We knew if we had a good performance against Wigan, then it would put us in good stead for our game against York Valkyrie, so the win was really important.”  

Momentum can be everything going into the last games of the season, and with both teams sharing the spoils against one another in the Super League this year, could home advantage be the difference? 

“We’ve not actually had the best run at home this year!” Casey admitted. “But when the fans get behind you it means so much, we’re really looking forward to it and hopefully we'll see people down at AMT Headingley to cheer us on.” 

Leeds have lost several key players through injury towards the back end of the season including Caitlin Beevers, Ruby Enright and Jasmine Cudjoe alongside head coach Lois Forsell now on maternity leave until next season. But that hasn’t stopped the side marching into the semi-finals. 

“Lois is a massive part of the club, and we have missed her, but Leon [Crick]'s filled some big shoes and he's done it well. We maybe didn't get the first few games with him right, but it's starting to build, especially on Friday against Wigan and going into the semi-finals.”  

And that new cohesion couldn’t have come at a better time with a chance to avenge last year’s Grand Final loss on the horizon. 

“It'll be a tough, physical game – which it always is against York Valkyrie. They've got a big pack and very strong forwards. It's normally a middles game and I back our middles to beat them and then we'll score on the edge and make the centre look good!” 

Since they joined the BWSL in 2018, Leeds Rhinos have competed and won every semi-final match they've played in as the side have reached five straight Grand Finals - but they’re still hungry for more. 

“Getting into Finals is great, but it feels a lot better when you come away with silverware. With the squad we've got and when you look around the changing room, there's no reason why we shouldn’t be winning and lifting trophies this year.”  

She continued: “We've got our eyes set on the Grand Final and then we'll go again next year hopefully for the treble.” 

Both Betfred Women’s Super League semi-finals will take place live on Sky Sports with Leeds Rhinos v York Valkyrie kicking things off at 5pm before coverage turns to St Helens v Wigan Warriors from 7.30pm. 

The winners from both fixtures will then battle it out for the Super League crown on Sunday 6 October which will be played at home ground of the finalist ranked highest at the end of the regular season, also live on Sky Sports (KO 4.30pm).