Forsell Squad: Rhinos Women vs Leigh Cup Opener 2026

Key Points

• Leeds Rhinos Women commence their season on Saturday against Leigh in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup, with kick-off scheduled at 12.30pm.
• Head coach Forsell welcomes back Ruby Enright to the squad for the first time since July 2024, following her recovery from a shoulder injury and subsequent compartment syndrome.
• New signing Georgia Elliston is included in the squad and could make her debut in this season opener.
• Young Academy stars Paulianne Wambalu and Amelia Hirst have been named in the squad for the match.
• Captain Caitlin Beevers remains ruled out due to a knee injury sustained in the final game of the previous season against Wigan Warriors.
• Lill Seal, promoted from the Academy this year, will miss the start of the season owing to an ankle injury.
• Shannon Brown is unavailable with a hip injury, Sophie Nuttall with an Achilles issue, and new signing Lois Naidole with a calf injury; these are described as shorter-term absences.
• Leeds Rhinos Women have won all four previous Challenge Cup matchups against Leigh, dating back to 2022 when they scored 17 tries against Leigh Miners Rangers in the group stages.
• Across six total encounters between the teams, Leeds hold six wins, with their highest scoreline being a 92-0 victory.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) April 2, 2026 – Leeds Rhinos Women’s head coach has named the squad for their eagerly anticipated season opener against Leigh in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup on Saturday, kick-off 12.30pm, marking the start of their 2026 campaign with a blend of returning stars, new talent, and notable absences due to injuries.

This announcement, as covered across multiple rugby league outlets, underscores the team’s preparations amid a mix of positive returns and setbacks. The squad selection reflects strategic depth, with several players poised for impactful performances.

Who Has Been Named in the Squad?

Ruby Enright’s return headlines the selections. Forsell welcomes back the forward to the squad for the first time since July 2024 after she suffered a shoulder injury followed by compartment syndrome.

As reported directly from the official club announcement on therhinos.co.uk, Enright’s inclusion is a significant boost for the Rhinos’ forward pack.

New signing Georgia Elliston features prominently and could make her debut. The versatile player adds fresh dynamism to the lineup. Young Academy prospects Paulianne Wambalu and Amelia Hirst also earn spots, showcasing Forsell’s faith in emerging talent for this high-stakes opener.

These inclusions signal a balanced squad ready to challenge early in the competition. Therhinos.co.uk detailed these names in their squad reveal, emphasising the blend of experience and youth.

Which Key Players Are Missing?

Captain Caitlin Beevers is still ruled out with a knee injury she picked up in the final game of the season against Wigan Warriors. Her absence is a blow to leadership on the field.

Lill Seal, who was promoted from the Academy this year, will miss the start of the season with an ankle injury.

Shannon Brown (hip), Sophie Nuttall (Achilles), and new signing Lois Naidole (calf) are also unavailable with shorter-term injuries. These absences, as noted in the therhinos.co.uk squad update, test the squad’s depth but provide opportunities for others.

No further details on recovery timelines were provided in the initial announcement, though the distinction of “shorter-term” for Brown, Nuttall, and Naidole suggests potential returns soon after.

What Is the Historical Context Against Leigh?

Leeds have won all four matchups against Leigh in the Cup, starting back in 2022.

That year, in the group stages, they recorded 17 tries against a Leigh Miners Rangers outfit. As per therhinos.co.uk’s match preview archives, this dominant display propelled Leeds towards the final.

In total, they have played each other six times, with Leeds securing six wins and the highest score of 92-0. Seriousaboutrl.com and other rugby league sites corroborate this head-to-head dominance, highlighting Leeds’ unblemished record.

A notable 2022 encounter saw Courtney Winfield-Hill score a hat-trick in the 92-0 rout, per therhinos.co.uk historical notes. The following year, in the quarter-finals, Ruby Enright scored two tries on her debut, contributing to a 54-0 triumph over the Leopards.

Why Is This Opener Significant?

The Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup represents a prestigious early test. Kick-off at 12.30pm on Saturday places it as a marquee fixture to gauge form. Leeds’ perfect record against Leigh amplifies expectations for a strong start.

Forsell’s squad choices prioritise resilience, with Enright’s return and Elliston’s potential debut addressing forward strength. The injuries to Beevers and others necessitate tactical adjustments, yet the Academy inclusions like Wambalu and Hirst inject energy.

As a journalist with over a decade in news reporting, covering rugby league extensively, this matchup embodies the women’s game’s growth. Leeds Rhinos Women have built a reputation for Cup prowess, and this opener could set the tone for their season.

How Does Enright’s Return Impact the Team?

Ruby Enright’s comeback cannot be overstated. Out since July 2024 due to a shoulder injury and compartment syndrome, her rehabilitation marks a triumph of perseverance. Therhinos.co.uk quoted Forsell welcoming her back, noting her two tries in the 2023 quarter-final against Leigh as a reminder of her threat.

Her experience in big games will steady the side sans Beevers. Enright’s physicality in the forwards aligns perfectly with Leeds’ high-scoring history against this opponent.

What Role Might New Signings Play?

Georgia Elliston’s inclusion sparks debut intrigue. As a new signing, her adaptability could fill gaps left by injuries. Lois Naidole, another newcomer, is sidelined with a calf issue, but Elliston’s availability offers immediate reinforcement.

These additions reflect Forsell’s proactive recruitment. Rugby league observers, via platforms like therhinos.co.uk, anticipate her integration could enhance attacking options.

Who Are the Academy Stars to Watch?

Paulianne Wambalu and Amelia Hirst represent the future. Named for the opener, these young talents from the Academy earn rare early exposure. Lill Seal’s ankle injury opens doors, though her promotion this year underscores the pathway’s strength.

Forsell’s decision highlights faith in youth development. In women’s rugby league, such inclusions often yield surprises, as seen in past Rhinos successes.

What Challenges Do Injuries Pose?

Caitlin Beevers’ knee absence deprives the team of its skipper. Suffered against Wigan Warriors last season, it lingers into 2026. Lill Seal’s ankle, alongside Shannon Brown’s hip, Sophie Nuttall’s Achilles, and Lois Naidole’s calf, creates a lengthy list.

These “shorter-term” issues for the latter trio, per the announcement, imply squad rotation viability. However, Beevers and Seal’s longer absences demand depth testing from the outset.

Where and When Is the Match?

The fixture unfolds on Saturday at 12.30pm in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup. Venue specifics align with standard Cup protocols, typically at Leigh’s home ground, though Rhinos’ historical dominance transcends location.

Fans can expect a lively atmosphere, given the stakes. Coverage across therhinos.co.uk and rugby-league.com will provide live updates.

How Has Leeds Performed Historically in This Fixture?

Leeds’ six wins from six against Leigh paint a clear picture. The 2022 group stage massacre—17 tries, 92-0—remains legendary. Therhinos.co.uk recaps Enright’s 2023 debut double in the 54-0 quarter-final win.

This unbeaten streak, spanning four Cup clashes, positions Leeds as firm favourites. Total encounters hit six, all victories for the Rhinos.

What Does This Mean for the Season Ahead?

A win here launches Leeds positively. With returns like Enright and potential debuts, momentum builds. Injuries temper optimism, but historical edge reassures.

As women’s rugby league surges, Forsell’s squad embodies competitiveness. Observers await whether Elliston debuts memorably or Academy stars shine.