There is a special magic about watching your team walk out at Wembley, no matter the sport you follow.

From walking out onto Olympic Way from Wembley Park tube station to taking your seat in a stadium that has hosted some of the country’s most historic sporting moments, including last year’s Lionesses Euros triumph and Tom Briscoe’s record five Cup Final tries in 2015 - it gives supporters a feeling unlike any other stadia in the country.

Leeds Rhinos Women’s player Dannielle Anderson has many memories watching from the stands at the national stadium, but on Saturday afternoon the forward will be hoping to make more special moments for her family, and in particular her dad, when they watch her battle with St Helens in this year’s Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final.

“He tells me everyday just how emotional he'll be watching me play at Wembley Stadium,” she said during the week’s Final preparations.

“My dad was the one that took me to Challenge Cup Finals in the past. This year though, I'm taking him to watch me as I've paid for his bus and his ticket. It's a thank you for all the hard work that he's done in the past when he's taken me to these games. I'm showing just how much I appreciate him and it's a bit of a treat as well for him.

“For years, I've been going to Wembley and wishing that I could one day play there and now finally the reality is that we do get the opportunity. There are thousands of different supporters all coming to watch Rugby League and now with the Women's Final there as well, they can watch more teams on that day. There'll be three games on so it will be an even better day out than it has been in the past.”

Anderson was a member of Leeds’ first Challenge Cup Final-winning side in 2018, which was played as a stand-alone fixture at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. She has a second winners medal from 2019 - when the Women’s Final was played before the men’s semi-finals and now has the opportunity to make history should her team succeed in becoming the first Women’s side to lift the Cup at Wembley. Anderson believes that Rugby League joining the likes of Women’s football and Rugby Union by staging finals at national stadiums and being broadcast on national TV is another big step in the right direction for growing the game.

“Back in 2018, it was a big occasion for us”, Anderson reflected. “There weren’t as many fans and spectators engaged at that time but being at Wembley this year, more people are going to want to come. I can say for myself and many other female athletes playing Rugby League that Wembley is the dream place to play a game. We're pathing the way for the younger generation to show them that they can play at big, iconic venues just like the men can.

“It shows inclusivity that the women and men are both playing on the same day. Women's sport is taking time, but it doesn't matter how long it takes if eventually, you get to be there. There's a lot of effort that goes into these things that make it all worth it.”

Much like her wins in 2018 and 2019, Anderson shares the same excitement as her team mates for a Wembley appearance, and wants nothing more than to lift the Cup with this year’s group. “Everyone involved is really excited and it's finally coming to the realisation that two Women's teams are finally going to get to play there.

“At Leeds, we're like just one big family. We're all very close knit, we get along together so well. To lift the trophy with them would be an ideal dream, and doing it at Wembley would be even better.”

Be at the Final

Make sure you're at Wembley to cheer on the Rhinos Women's team in a historic Challenge Cup Final.

Tickets and travel can be purchased in the following ways subject to availability until 3pm on Friday 11th August (subject to change) - 

Online- tickets.therhinos.co.uk

Over the phone- 0371 423 1315 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm - Opening Hours) 

In person at Leeds Rhinos Club Shop- Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm (Opening Hours) 

Please always check opening hours before travelling Opening Hours 

Official Coach Travel will be available for this fixture departing from Headingley Stadium at 5.15am. Those who are wishing to travel on the Official Coach Travel will be given the option at the time of booking of when they would like to depart from Wembley Stadium. This will be either after the Women’s Final or after the Men’s Final and the departure time will be decided by the majority. The coach will not be staying for the AB Sundecks Final.