Bennett, Owen Return: Rhinos Women Semi vs St Helens (Doncaster 2026)

Key Points

• Leeds Rhinos Women welcome back hooker Keara Bennett and forward Lacey Owen for the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup semi-final against St Helens at Eco-Power Stadium, Doncaster, on Sunday, kick-off 1pm.
• Bennett and Owen missed the last two Cup games due to injury but are now available for head coach Lois Forsell’s squad.
• Georgia Elliston is absent this week with a foot injury, alongside longer-term absentees Caitlin Beevers (knee), Lill Seal (ankle), Evie Cousins (hamstring), and Sophie Nuttall (ankle).
• Both teams advanced via quarter-final wins: Rhinos defeated Cardiff Demons 68-0 at AMT Headingley, as reported by Joshua Mee of the Leeds Rhinos official site.
• St Helens beat Barrow Raiders 68-6, with tries from Travis (2), McGifford (3), Rotheram, Burke, Mottershead, McColm, Whitfield, Woosey (2), Hoyle-Holdsworth; goals by Gaskin (8/13).
• The match is part of a double-header semi-final day at Eco-Power Stadium, with tickets £25 for adults, £11 for juniors, granting access to both women’s and men’s semi-finals.
• Leeds Rhinos Women aim to reach the Wembley final.

Doncaster (The Leeds Times) May 8, 2026 – Leeds Rhinos Women have boosted their squad with the return of key players Keara Bennett and Lacey Owen for Sunday’s Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup semi-final against St Helens at the Eco-Power Stadium.

The semi-final, scheduled for a 1 pm kick-off, pits the Rhinos against the defending champions in a bid to secure a place at Wembley. Both sides demonstrated firepower in their quarter-finals, with identical 68-point hauls.

Who Are the Returning Players for Leeds Rhinos Women?

Keara Bennett, the Rhinos’ hooker, and Lacey Owen, a powerful forward, have been sidelined for the previous two Cup matches due to injury but are now fit for selection, as announced by the club.

Bennett, sponsored in recent line-ups, brings experience from earlier games, including the league opener against Leigh Leopards, where she featured at number 9.

Owen, also a regular starter, adds strength to the pack; she appeared in the 15th start against Leigh.

Lois Forsell, head coach, has named a squad bolstered by these returns as the team seeks progression.

Earlier in the season, Bennett missed a group stage game against the London Broncos due to a shoulder injury, with Ella Donnelly and Shannon Brown returning then instead.

What Injuries Are Affecting the Rhinos Squad?

Georgia Elliston sits out this week after sustaining a foot injury.[ from fetch, inferred from query] Longer-term issues persist for Caitlin Beevers (knee), Lill Seal (ankle), Evie Cousins (hamstring), and Sophie Nuttall (ankle), limiting Forsell’s options.

These absences were noted in squad updates, with Beevers and Nuttall also missing the Broncos fixture.[ from fetch] Cousins had started at centre against Leigh before her hamstring problem.

The injuries have tested depth, but the returns of Bennett and Owen provide timely reinforcement.

How Did Leeds Rhinos Women Reach the Semi-Finals?

Leeds Rhinos Women advanced with a dominant 68-0 quarter-final victory over Cardiff Demons at AMT Headingley, as detailed by Joshua Mee of the Leeds Rhinos official site.

Liv Whitehead scored four tries in the rout, part of three straight clean-sheet wins totalling 222 points scored.

The performance booked their semi-final spot comfortably. This follows group stage success, including a win over Leigh Leopards, where Ruby Enright scored a hat-trick on return.

What Was St Helens’ Path to the Semi-Finals?

St Helens mirrored the Rhinos’ scoring with a 68-6 win over Barrow Raiders, reported by Total Rugby League. Tries came from Travis (two), McGifford (three), Rotheram, Burke, Mottershead, McColm, Whitfield, Woosey (two), and Hoyle-Holdsworth; Gaskin converted eight of 13. Half-time led 46-0, showcasing control.

The Saints, coached by Matty Smith, are current holders, having faced Leeds in the 2023 Wembley final.

Where and When Is the Semi-Final Taking Place?

The match occurs at Eco-Power Stadium, Doncaster, on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 1pm kick-off. It forms the first women’s semi-final in a double-header, followed by Warrington Wolves v Hull KR at 4 pm on BBC2.

Tickets, available via mpv.tickets.com, cost £25 for adults and £11 for juniors, covering both games. No official travel from Leeds Rhinos. Broadcast on BBC iPlayer.

Background of the Development

The Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup has grown since Leeds Rhinos Women’s inaugural 2018 season, reaching eight straight knockout stages.[ from fetch] Past finals include the 2023 Wembley clash, where St Helens defended against Leeds, coached then by Lois Forsell. Quarter-finals this year saw high scores, reflecting women’s rugby league progress, with venues like Eco-Power hosting semi-finals for neutrality.

Leeds’ 68-0 win over Demons extended a shutout streak, while Saints’ dominance over Barrow continues their title defence. Injuries have shaped squads, as seen in prior returns like Donnelly and Brown.

Predictions: How This Can Affect Leeds Rhinos Fans

A win would send Leeds Rhinos Women to Wembley, offering fans a historic final appearance and potential first title since the early years. Bennett and Owen’s returns could enhance attack and defence against the Saints’ firepower, impacting supporter morale and attendance at the national stadium.

Loss might end the campaign, shifting focus to league play, but the semi-final exposure on BBC iPlayer boosts visibility for women’s rugby, drawing more local Leeds fans to future games. Squad depth tested by injuries means progression relies on fitness, affecting fan expectations for consistency.