Wigan Warriors club legend and coach Denis Betts gives verdict after women reach first Challenge Cup Final

Wigan are through to next month’s Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup final – where they will meet either St Helens or York Valkyrie – after a 44-14 hammering of Leeds Rhinos at York on Saturday.

Wigan lost to Leeds at the semi-final stage in each of the past two seasons and it will be the first Cup final for the Warriors. There were wild celebrations among players and staff at full-time, but Betts – who appeared at Wembley eight times as a player and also coached Wigan’s men there – insisted winning semi-finals is “what’s expected” at that club.

“The girls know we are on a journey this year and this is part of it,” he said. “We can enjoy the day and what has happened, but this isn’t the success we are after – it is just part of the process.”

He stressed: “The expectation at Wigan is you are in finals and you are competing. That’s what we’ve set out to do.

“We aren’t aiming for a particular target, we don’t have a specific plan, but we have got an understanding of what the club is and what our purpose is within that club.”

Wigan Warriors breeze past Leeds Rhinos to make Challenge Cup Final

Wigan roared out of the blocks and had the semi-final won by half-time, when they led 30-0. Anna Davies and player of the match Grace Banks both bagged a brace and other try scorers were Georgia Wilson, Molly Jones, Isabel Rowe, Megan Wiliams and Emily Veivers. Jenna Foubister kicked four conversions.

“I am really proud of the whole group,” Betts added. “They have really stepped up and worked hard.

“We are fortunate to be part of such an amazing club and I know [Wembley is] going to be a fantastic day for the girls, one they will remember for a long time.”

Rhinos trailed 38-0 before scoring three tries in the final quarter through Jenna Greening, Tally Bryer and Mel Howard. Keara Bennett kicked a goal.

Coach Lois Forsell admitted: “I think it was a really disappointing first half from us, first and foremost.

“We gave ourselves far too much to do. You can’t turn up to a semi-final and defend the way we did early doors.

“The points scored against us were really, really disappointing. We have got some tough lessons to learn around where we turn the ball over and how we control a game.”

🔥 We’re off to Wembley! 🔥 #WWRL #ChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/1OzeKOtRrC

— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) May 10, 2025