This week we start the build up to the women’s season with a look at two teams who are doing their utmost to promote topflight women’s rugby league in this country and who, I believe, might give the others something to think about this season – the Leigh Leopards and Wigan Warriors.
We’ve made no secret of our admiration for the Leopards here at Super League Raw – Derek Beaumont is a good friend of ours and should be applauded for the marketing successes with the Leopards on and off the field. And that includes the women’s team, who went through the 2024 season undefeated, winning all 16 games and soring an impressive 808 along the way. Even more impressive is the number of points they conceded – just 64.
They then beat Featherstone Rovers in the promotion play-off final at St Helens to secure their place in Super League.
Head coach Keiron Purtill – former Wigan, Huddersfield and Leigh half and Widnes coach – has blended a team of youth and experience as they prepare to tackle the new season under the captaincy of Storm Cobain. Off the field, Derek has been a huge advocate for the game, sponsoring Leigh Miners women before they merged with the club to form the Leopards, and hosting a game at the Sports Village, giving those games the same pre-match build-up as the men. I predict they will do really well in Super League and surprise a few teams along the way.
As for the Warriors, they announced the signing of another Australian last week – second rower Shanniah Power, from the North Queensland Cowboys. The 27-year-old has also played for the Warriors, Titans and Roosters and has played Origin for the Maroons and for the Indigenous All Stars. She joins fellow Aussies Remi Wilton and Emily Veivers at the club and brings a wealth of experience with her. Read Wigan's release here:
But, again, it’s what the Warriors are doing off the pitch that is impressive too and shows – like the Leopards – how invested (and not necessarily in a monetary sense) they are in making a success of their women’s team. Plans have been unveiled to redevelop the men’s old training facilities at Edge Hall Road in Orrell for the women’s team to use as a base. Wigan Athletic Women will also play their home games there. No other club has bespoke facilities for their women’s teams.
Warriors chief executive Kris Radlinski points out that this is just another step forward for the women, having appointed Rugby League legend Denis Betts as head coach last season, who is also leading the way in developing the coaching and medical infrastructure for his team.
Don’t be surprised if Wigan break the stranglehold of Saints, York and Leeds this season and – while they might need another couple of years’ experience under their belts to win the competition, don’t be too shocked if they make it to Wembley after pushing Leeds Rhinos all the way in last season’s Challenge Cup semi-final.
In other news, York Valkyrie have strengthened their squad with the addition of Jamaican international Jazz Brampton from the London Broncos, Demi Fisher from Barrow and Izzy Bibby who has come from Army Rugby League.
And, to soften the blow of England international Lacey Owen deciding not to play on for Valkyrie this season – one of nine players leaving the club before the season starts - director of rugby Lyndsay Anfield announced the capture of winger Tara Moxon from the Rhinos, the permanent signing of Lisa parker after being on dual registration with Sheffield Eagles last season and an extension to Welsh international Agnes Wood’s stay at the LNER Community Stadium. She was also on dual registration at the eagles last year. Finally, Lauren Exley has been promoted from the Under-19s to bolster the Valkyrie’s push for more silverware this year.
And, finally, the Jillaroos have named their team for the game in Vegas at the weekend – and it’s a strong looking side, with Olivia Kernick back in the second row and Ali Brigginshaw skippering the sides in the halves. Jessica Sergis starting on the bench goes to show how strong a side this is. The England women will also have to contend with the power and skill of Isabelle Kelly and Tiana Penitana in the centres. They’ve definitely got their work cut out for this showpiece occasion.
Commentaires