Wigan Warriors stun champions and St Helens and Leeds Rhinos play out classic in Women’s Super League opener

The 2025 Women’s Super League season kicked off this weekend, as York Valkyrie look to defend their title and become champions once again.

After five rounds of Challenge Cup action to get the sides warmed up, it will be Wigan Warriors and St Helens that will battle it out at Wembley to be crowned cup Winners.

However, the focus is now on the league campaign, and round one saw some standout results and performances.

The action got underway at the Brick Community Stadium on Friday, as a new-look Wigan Warriors side faced last season’s winners York Valkyrie, in a game that was shown live on Sky Sports.

Fresh off a dominant cup semi-final win over Leeds Rhinos, Dennis Betts’ Warriors started the game in top form, racing to a 22-point lead after 25 minutes. That form would continue throughout the game, as two tries from young full back Grace Banks helped them to a 40-6 victory over the reigning champions.

Women’s Super League classic played out

On Saturday, two other heavyweights clashed to start the season off as two-time winners Leeds Rhinos and 2021 champions St Helens went head-to-head.

Tries from Keara Bennett and Izzy Northrop gave Leeds a healthy lead before Vicky Whitfield crashed over just before half time to decrease the Saints deficit.

With eight minutes left, the Rhinos were up by six and had a huge opportunity to see out the game, but they bombed a certain try.

Four minutes from time, Whitfield forced her way over again to level the game at 20-a-piece, and it meant that the points would be shared in what was a classic contest.

Sunday saw the two remaining ties being played, as Warrington Wolves hosted Huddersfield Giants, whilst newly promoted Leigh Leopards welcomed Barrow Raiders.

A hat-trick from England international Amelia Brown helped the Giants to an impressive 40-30 away victory, whilst there was another trio of tries scored as Hattie Dogus scored three in a 42-10 victory for the Leopards over the Raiders.

Attention now turns to round two, as York take on Leeds in the standout tie of the round. Wigan host Barrow, whilst St Helens travel to Huddersfield and Leigh face Warrington.