Forsell names squad for Saints clash

Leeds Rhinos Womens Head Coach Lois Forsell has named her squad to face St Helens in Sunday’s eagerly anticipated clash with rivals St Helens at Headingley, kick off 12.30pm.

The Rhinos went top of the Womens Super League last week with victory against Huddersfield Giants and return to Headingley for re-run of this year’s Challenge Cup Final between the sides.

The team produced a classic game at the Totally Wicked Stadium earlier in the year and will set up a big day of Rugby League at Headingley on Sunday with the mens team due to take on Salford Red Devils at 3pm.

Shannon Lacey missing out with a ham string injury whilst England international Danielle Anderson returns in the pack.

1. Caitlin Beevers sponsored by Systech IT Solutions
3. Sophie Robinson
4. Fran Goldthorp sponsored by PICKUPS SELF STORAGE
5. Sophie Nuttall sponsored by AC Auto Locksmiths
6. Georgia Roche sponsored by  G. Swailes Painter & Decorator
7. Courtney Winfield-Hill sponsored by KBW Chambers
9. Keara Bennett sponsored by Harris Creative
10. Danielle Anderson sponsored by Age Partnership
11. Chloe Kerrigan
13. Hanna Butcher sponsored by Leeds Trinity University
15. Zoe Hornby
16. Orla McCallion
17. Tasha Gaines sponsored by R&R Scrap Metal Merchants
18. Sam Hulme
19. Jasmine Earnshaw-Cudjoe
20. Emma Lumley sponsored by Movement Performance Coach
24. Adaoha Akwiwu
25. Beth Lockwood sponsored by The Resin Mill
26. Alex Barnes

St Helens did the Rhinos a favour as they boosted their own hopes of retaining a second piece of silverware in 2022 by beating the Knights at the weekend too. A low scoring match saw the Red Vee take the lead after two minutes through Zoe Harris, before Ashleigh Hyde replied for the visitors. With the game on a knife’s edge, another early score from Tara Jones proved to be enough as Derek Hardman’s side held on for a 12-4 result.

With only three rounds left, Saints are four points behind Leeds and York but they have the slight advantage of playing each week until the regular season ends. Both the Rhinos and Knights have a bye week between now and the end of the season, plus they both play each other in what could be the defining match before the teams enter the Play Offs.

Ones to Watch

Amy Hardcastle

England international centre Amy Hardcastle was one of ten Saints players called up for the recent friendly against France and is a wrecking ball on the edge.

After joining from Bradford Bulls, she was a crucial player when Saints lifted all three trophies last season, finishing the year with 23 tries. She is one of eight players that has started every game this year for Hardman’s side and has four tries to her name.

Chantelle Crowl

A power forward, Chantelle Crowl is another player that has been ever-present for Saints in 2022.

Awarded the player of the match in last year’s Grand Final victory over the Rhinos, she has continued her consistent performances into this year and was part of the squad that lifted the Challenge Cup for a second successive year at Elland Road.

Paige Travis

One of the brightest young talents in the game, Travis had a great breakout season with Saints in 2021. Debuting for the club in 2019, her six tries in twelve games last year earned her plenty of plaudits and an England shirt.

In this year’s League competition, she has only missed one game and scored her sole try of the season against Wigan in round one.

Upcoming Fixtures

Last Time Out

If the last meeting between the two sides is going to be replicated on Sunday, Rugby League fans are in for a treat.

When Leeds and St Helens clashed at the Totally Wicked Stadium in June, a last minute sensational try from Fran Goldthorp gave the Rhinos their first win against Saints since 2019. A nail-biting game was held in the balance after Forsell’s side recovered from 14-0 down to draw level in the second half. Then after Tara Jones gave the home side hope, Goldthorp struck to give Courtney Winfield-Hill the chance to win the game with her conversion, which she subsequently converted to make the finals score 20-18.

Player Milestones

Sophie Robinson

Centre/winger Sophie Robinson is closing in on 100 points in the Betfred Women’s Super League.

Over four seasons at the club, she has amassed 92 points, or 23 tries, over 34 league appearances. She moved a step closer to the milestone with two tries against the Giants last weekend.

Zoe Hornby

Continuing in her breakout season, Hornby is able to pass both a WSL and club milestone this week.

She is currently six points away from scoring her 50th point in the top tier of Women’s Rugby League, plus two points takes her to 50 points for the Rhinos club.

Courtney Winfield-Hill

After scoring her 200th Rhinos goal in last week’s win over the Giants, Courtney Winfield-Hill has the chance to reach another milestone this week.

The half back, who scored 26 of Leeds’ 82 points against Huddersfield, is twelve points away from reaching 400 points in the Betfred Women’s Super League competition.

Caitlin Beevers

England international Beevers can pass two club milestones against Saints on Sunday. The outside back, who came through the club’s academy to debut in the Rhinos’ inaugural season, is three tries away from 50 Rhinos tries (she has scored 30 in the league and 17 in the Challenge Cup), plus she is also ten points away from surpassing 200 Rhinos points.

It's our Family Day!

Get ready for our fun-filled, action-packed family day at Headingley Stadium on Sunday! 

There is everything from stormtroopers, to ponies, to even a triceratops positioned all around the ground, as well as our Rugby League double header which sees Leeds Rhinos Women clash with St Helens before the men's team tackle Salford Red Devils. 

Plus, juniors can get into any stand in the ground for just £5!

Click here to find out more or go to tickets.therhinos.co.uk to book now.