In a thrilling day of Rugby League Nines action at Victoria Park, Leeds Rhinos Women showcased their prowess and secured their spot in the highly anticipated Finals Day. After falling short in the final last year, the Rhinos unleashed their dominance during the afternoon session of Qualifying Day, ultimately topping Group D and earning a well-deserved ticket to Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium on Sunday, June 24th.
With a perfect blend of seasoned Super League players and promising young talent, the Rhinos entered the tournament as a force to be reckoned with.
Fullback Ruby Enright, who rose from the ranks of the Rhinos Academy side, demonstrated her skill alongside esteemed teammates such as Caitlin Casey, who made her first appearance with the senior team at this tournament.
The squad also included this season’s leading try scorers Beth Lockwood, Eloise Hayward, and Keara Bennett, as well as Amy Hardcastle, Georgia Hale, Kaiya Glynn, Mayzi Carter, Jenna Greening, and Izzy Northrop, all making their Nines competition debut for the Rhinos.
The afternoon commenced with an awe-inspiring performance as the Rhinos triumphed over their local rivals, the Bradford Bulls, with a resounding score of 48-4. Their momentum continued to surge as they dominated the Salford Red Devils, finishing with a remarkable 36-0 victory.
The Rhinos’ mettle was truly tested in a nail-biting encounter with the Cardiff Demons, with the match hanging in the balance until the very end. In a display of determination, Leeds emerged triumphant with a 14-7 win, ensuring an unbeaten afternoon for Lois Forsell’s side. Their stellar performance has now propelled them back to the coveted Finals Day, where they are eager to reach the pinnacle once more.
In other thrilling encounters throughout the competition, Women’s Super League powerhouses Warrington, York, and St Helens all emerged victorious from their respective groups during the morning matches. Additionally, Wigan showcased their dominance by securing triumph in all three of their Group E matches, solidifying their spot in the highly anticipated Finals Day.
As the anticipation builds for the Rugby League Nines Finals Day, rugby enthusiasts around the nation eagerly await the clash of these formidable teams. The stage is set, and come June 24th, Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium will witness the pursuit of glory as the Leeds Rhinos Women aim to etch their names in Rugby League history once again.
