Wigan Warriors Women enjoyed an emphatic 2025 campaign, as they finished the season with just one defeat and claimed every trophy available to them.
Led by former Super League boss Denis Betts, the side first clinched the Challenge Cup trophy at Wembley, as well as having success in the Women’s Nines tournament.
They finished the year at the top of the table, two points ahead of rivals St Helens. It was the Saints that they defeated in London, and they got the better of them once again as they claimed their first Women’s Super League Grand Final.
The squad is littered with talent, many of whom are still teenagers and only just getting started in their careers. Half-back Isabel Rowe was named on the Women’s Golden Boot long-list earlier this month, being the only English player, in the men’s or women’s game, to be nominated.
Now, their sights are set on 2026, and despite having such a youthful squad, have decided to bring in some experienced players to help balance the squad.
First, Kelsey Gentles will make the move to the Warriors next year, having recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff.
A former Grand Final winner with York Valkyrie, Gentles returned to the field at the end of the 2025 season with Huddersfield Giants, scoring a try on her first game back.
A one-time England international, she formed part of the Castleford Tigers exodus in 2021, and joined York with a number of other talented players, as well as coach Lindsay Anfield.
Commenting on her move to the Cherry and Whites, she said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Wigan Warriors ahead of the 2026 season.
“The Club’s history, ambition, and winning culture make it a very special place to be part of. I’m really looking forward to contributing to the team’s success and being involved in what promises to be an exciting year for the Club and its supporters.
“I also want to say a big thank you to everyone at Huddersfield for all the support they gave me during this year – I’ve really appreciated my time there and everything the club has done for me.”
Wigan have also announced the signing of Bethan Dainton, who departs Leeds Rhinos after three seasons.
An international in both rugby league and rugby union, the powerful loose forward was amongst Leeds’ top talents in her time at the club.
Speaking on the switch, she said: “I’m really excited to be signing with the Warriors. The team’s style of rugby really suits the way I like to play, I can’t wait to meet the girls, get stuck into pre-season, and work hard to prepare for a big year ahead.
“I would also like to thank Leeds Rhinos Women, the fans and everyone who has supported me throughout my time at Leeds.”
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