The 2025 Women’s Super League starts on Friday night, and it could be the closest season yet. There will also be two televised games from round 1 for fans to watch.
Reigning champions York Valkyrie kick off their season with a visit to Wigan Warriors. The Valkyrie beat St Helens to become the first team ever to retain the WSL title in an 18-8 victory. For 2025, York go into the season on the back of a Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Saints, losing 10-6 on Sunday afternoon. The Valkyrie have bolstered their pack with the signing of Zoe Hornby and Sinead Peach makes her return after having a baby, but have lost second-rower Lacey Owens to Leeds Rhinos.
St Helens finished 2024 with the League Leaders’ Shield but eventually lost the Grand Final to York. Having beaten them at the weekend, they will be hoping to fill up their trophy cabinet in 2025 by winning their first Women’s Super League title since 2021 and missing out on the final altogether last season. They’re also going for their fifth consecutive Challenge Cup trophy, which would be a record.
Leeds Rhinos haven’t had the best start to their 2025 season so far, following their 44-14 loss against Wigan last Saturday. However, they’ve had a large squad turnover for 2025, losing Hornby to York and the duo of Caitlin Casey and Amy Hardcastle, both moving to St Helens. Captain Hanna Butcher also retired, and Caitlin Beevers, the new captain, isn’t expected to be back fit until July, following knee surgery.
Last season, Wigan closed the gap to the top three, and by beating Leeds Rhinos in the Challenge Cup last weekend, they will be hoping to finish higher than fourth in 2025. Coach Denis Betts is definitely building his side to be more consistent and starting to beat the top three sides means they’re real contenders for 2025. With five new signings made in the off-season and a newfound confidence, the Warriors could make it all the way to the Grand Final.
Barrow Raiders, Huddersfield Giants and Warrington Wolves will be hoping to finish best of the rest and attempt to crack the top four and secure a play-off spot. Leigh Leopards are the Women’s Super League newcomers for 2025 following their promotion from the Championship. They face Barrow in their first match, who were promoted ahead of the 2024 season. The Wolves also have a new coach in Ged Ginty, and all four sides will be hoping one of the top four slips up.
How to watch two Women’s Super League games live this week
Two games from round one of the Women’s Super League will be broadcast, with Wigan Warriors v York Valkyrie live on Sky Sports on Friday 16th at 5:30pm, before the men’s side host Leigh Leopards. St Helens v Leeds Rhinos will also be shown on The Sportsman on Saturday 17th at 2:00pm.
Sunday 18th will see Leigh Leopards v Barrow Raiders and Warrington Wolves v Huddersfield Giants, both kicking off at 12:00pm.
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
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