Key Points
- Leeds Rhinos’ women’s team coach Lois Forsell states the side is in a far better place than last year, when they lost 44-14 to Wigan Warriors in the 2025 Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup semi-final.
- Rhinos return to the semi-final stage and face St Helens, last year’s runners-up, at Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster on Sunday, 10 May 2026, as a curtain-raiser to the men’s semi-final between Warrington Wolves and Hull KR.
- Rhinos have not conceded a point in three Challenge Cup ties this season: 82-0 vs Leigh Leopards, 72-0 vs London Broncos, and 68-0 vs Cardiff Demons in the quarter-final.
- Forsell notes that last year’s semi-final was tough due to injuries, with players out of position; this year, the team is not in that spot.
- The match kicks off at 1 pm and is broadcast on BBC iPlayer.
Doncaster (The Leeds Times) May 9, 2026 –
- Key Points
- Why Are Leeds Rhinos Women in a Better Spot This Year?
- What Happened in Last Year’s Semi-Final Defeat?
- Who Are the Semi-Final Opponents and Venue Details?
- How Have Leeds Rhinos Performed in Earlier Rounds?
- What Is the Road to Wembley Finals Day?
- Background of the Development
- Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Leeds Rhinos Fans
Leeds Rhinos’ women’s team stands poised for redemption in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup semi-final against St Helens at the Eco-Power Stadium. Coach Lois Forsell has declared her squad in a stronger position compared to last year’s heavy defeat.
Why Are Leeds Rhinos Women in a Better Spot This Year?
As reported by Peter Smith of Serious About RL, Lois Forsell said,
“Last year we were in a tough spot with injuries in the Challenge Cup semi-final. It was more about making sure we got people out there – we had people playing out of position and I don’t feel like we are in that spot this year”.
This assessment follows a dominant run where the Rhinos have kept clean sheets across their three cup matches. They scored 82 points against Leigh Leopards, 72 against London Broncos, and 68 in the quarter-final victory over Cardiff Demons, as detailed in Serious About RL coverage.
The quarter-final against Cardiff, played at AMT Headingley Stadium, saw Leeds surge with five tries in the first 15 minutes, starting with Liv Whitehead’s opener. They nearly lost their shutout late but held firm, confirmed by the Rugby League official site reports.
St Helens present a sterner test as last year’s runners-up, but Forsell expressed confidence her side will rise to the occasion, per Peter Smith’s article.
What Happened in Last Year’s Semi-Final Defeat?
Rhinos’ hopes of a third successive Wembley appearance ended with a 44-14 loss to Wigan Warriors in the 2025 semi-final. Injuries forced positional changes, hampering performance, as Forsell recalled.
This year’s path contrasts sharply, with no points conceded yet in the competition.
Who Are the Semi-Final Opponents and Venue Details?
St Helens, who finished top of Group A, thrashed Barrow Raiders 68-6 in their quarter-final at BrewDog Stadium. Paige Travis scored early, and the Saints controlled proceedings, marking Emily Rudge’s 100th appearance .
The semi-final is at Eco-Power Stadium, Doncaster, on Sunday, 10 May 2026, at 1pm, curtain-raising the men’s Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR match at 4pm. Tickets cost £25 for adults and £11 for juniors, granting access to both games.
Broadcast is on BBC iPlayer, with the other semi-final – Wigan Warriors vs York Valkyrie – on Saturday, 9 May, at Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Wigan’s quarter-final was a 112-0 rout of London Broncos, with Bethan Dainton’s hat-trick and Isabel Rowe’s 44 points. York beat Huddersfield Giants 34-10, with Eboni Partington scoring twice.
How Have Leeds Rhinos Performed in Earlier Rounds?
Leeds opened with 82-0 over Leigh Leopards at Headingley. They followed with 72-0 against London Broncos.
The Cardiff win maintained the shutout, with Rugby League noting their explosive start.
Lois Forsell, in a separate post-match comment after a Barrow win, expressed pleasure at training implementation, per YouTube coverage.
What Is the Road to Wembley Finals Day?
Winners advance to Wembley on 30 May 2026 for Finals Day. St Helens have won the cup multiple times recently, including 22-0 over Leeds in 2024.
Leeds reached the 2023 final but lost to St Helens, with past semis gritty like 16-4 over Wigan.
Background of the Development
The Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup has grown significantly, with semi-finals now double-headers with men’s games for visibility. Leeds Rhinos women, under Forsell, have built a strong cup record, reaching semis multiple years despite final heartbreaks. This year’s clean sheets reflect improved defence and attack, setting up a key clash with St Helens, who dominate group stages . The move to neutral venues like Doncaster enhances fairness and attendance.
Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Leeds Rhinos Fans
A win would place Leeds in their fourth Challenge Cup final in five years, boosting morale for fans after recent Wembley losses. It could increase attendance at Headingley and youth participation in women’s rugby league locally. Loss might temper optimism but highlight progress from injury-plagued 2025, sustaining support amid St Helens’ strength. Finals Day tickets would surge in demand for Rhinos supporters.
