Women

BWSL: Round 1 Preview

15 May 2025

The Betfred Women's Super League returns for 2025 and here's what to expect in Round 1...

.@Betfred Women's #SuperLeague is BACK! ? pic.twitter.com/JGdshXO3gA
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 12, 2025

Wigan Warriors v York Valkyrie - live on Sky Sports

York Valkyrie will launch their defence of the Women's Super League title against Wigan Warriors this Friday (May 16) at The Brick Community Stadium, live on Sky Sports Action (KO 5.30pm).

The Valkyrie made history by becoming the first team to retain their crown as they denied St Helens the treble in October in front of a record crowd, with Lindsay Anfield's side now on the hunt for a third successive title.

They will be up against a buoyant Wigan side who booked a trip to Wembley on June 7 for the Challenge Cup Final where they will face local rivals St Helens, who beat York in the semi-finals.

York have won the last five meetings away from home against Wigan, with the Warriors' last home win coming in August 2019, when they ran out 42-0 victors.

Last season it was one win apiece, with Wigan taking the points, 18-10, at the LNER Community Stadium in July, while the Valkyrie earned a crucial but hard fought 16-12 victory away from home in September as they headed towards the play-offs.

Wigan Women's season opener will form part of a double header on Friday night - along with the men's Betfred Super League fixture against Leigh Leopards.

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?? Join us for a double-header of action this Friday night at The Brick Community Stadium! https://t.co/MZLvisYokd #WWRL #SLWIGLEI pic.twitter.com/LDzV0PBNxc
— Wigan Warriors ??? (@WiganWarriorsRL) May 14, 2025

St Helens v Leeds Rhinos - live on The Sportsman

Elsewhere, St Helens will be looking to bounce back from that agonising Grand Final defeat and prepare for another trip to Wembley when they face Leeds Rhinos on Saturday (May 17) at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

And there's going to be TWO games televised in the BWSL Round 1, as Saints v Leeds' clash will be shown live on The Sportsman (KO 2pm).

Several of Leeds’ most experienced players have retired or moved on since the start of last season, but the Rhinos’ youth production line have ensured the team is in good shape.?

Before the weekend's game, Saints had yet to concede a point as they saw off Warrington, Cardiff and London through the Cup group stages and quarter finals by scoring an aggregate score of 234 points. Amy Hardcastle is currently the side's leading try scorer with eight so far.

Phoebe Hook has also been impressive on the edge with seven tries, as has Georgia Sutherland who has six tries in her first full season with the Red V. Caitlin Casey and Shona Hoyle haven't missed a game since they arrived at the club from Leeds and will face their former club along with Hardcastle on Saturday.

The @Betfred Women's #SuperLeague returns this weekend! ?@saints1890women and @leedsrhinos' Round 1 clash will be shown LIVE on @TheSportsman this Saturday ? pic.twitter.com/QjpcuPTidQ
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 12, 2025

Leigh Leopards v Barrow Raiders

Leigh Leopards secured a place in the top flight for 2025 after defeating Featherstone Rovers 34-16 in the promotion play-off final and will begin life in the Super League on Sunday at home to Amanda Wilkinson's Barrow Raiders.

The Raiders enjoyed a dream debut in the topflight finishing fifth in the Super League table and find themselves with a squad mixed with youth an experience for 2025 following the retirement of several key players in the off season.

The club celebrating will also be celebrating 150th anniversary in 2025 so Amanda Wilkinson will be hoping her team can get their season off to a flying start against the new team on the block this weekend.

Warrington Wolves v Huddersfield Giants

On the same day, Warrington Wolves host Huddersfield Giants at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, with both sides hoping 2025 could be the year they make ground on the top four teams in the competition.

The Wire are another side who have a squad full of new names for 2025 – including their manager Ged Ginty. Armani Sharrock stepped down at the end of last season after one campaign in charge, replaced by her assistant Ginty, who has previously coached at Wigan Warriors and across the community game.

They’ll also be captained by a new name on Sunday with former England international Dani Bound taking on the role following the departure of Katie-May Williams.??Bound is easily the most experienced member of the squad, the hooker’s input will be vital if Warrington are to mount a real challenge against the top sides in the competition.