Valkyrie's Leon Pryce previews BWSL Grand Final

After a rollercoaster campaign, York Valkyrie have found their form at the perfect time, booking their place in the Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final in Leon Pryce’s first season as Head Coach. 

Following an impressive Semi-Final victory over Leeds Rhinos, Pryce reflected on the resilience, growth and belief that have defined the Valkyrie’s journey: 

“I knew that we'd improve slowly as the season went on. We had a new coaching staff, new players, new positions. The girls had to learn how I wanted to play and our standards as a coaching staff, and I needed to learn about the girls, figure out what really made them tick and that takes time.  

“We've slowly gradually improved, it's been a little bit inconsistent here and there but we've also been missing key personnel for long periods of this season.  

“It just came together right at the end, we've got players back and other players coming into really good form at the back end of the season.” 

That belief will be vital as Valkyrie prepare for the biggest test of their season, where they face League Leaders' Shield winners Wigan Warriors.

York are the only team to have beaten the Warriors in 2026, and will now be looking to take the crown back for the first time since the 2023 and 2024 seasons, in which they won the Grand Finals in successive years.

With just 80 minutes standing in their way, York will be looking to channel that hard-earned momentum into one final performance when they take to the big stage. 

"I’m immensely proud to coach the Valks, and reaching the Grand Final is a huge achievement in itself. Between injuries, a new coaching staff, and it being my first season at the club, we’ve had our fair share of struggles this year. But the girls have worked exceptionally hard, and we've developed constantly as the season has progressed,” added Pryce.  

“We felt written off by a lot of people and were seen as underdogs just to make the final, so we're incredibly excited for the challenge and ready to embrace the big occasion." 

Watch Wigan Warriors face York Valkyrie in the Betfred Women's Super League Grand Final on Sunday 27 September, live on Sky Sports (K.O. 5.30pm).

Tickets are available here!