As the top four of the Betfred Women's Super League starts to heat up, current league leaders Leeds Rhinos look to extend their lead over their rivals as Lois Forsell's side takes on Barrow Raiders this Sunday at Craven Park, kick off 12pm.

Both sides come into the fixture off the back of wins last time out; a win over Warrington helped the Rhinos get back on track following a home defeat to St Helens, whilst Barrow got their second victory of the year against Huddersfield.

Opposition

Over a month after their 68-0 defeat to the Rhinos at AMT Headingley, one of Super League's newest teams Barrow Raiders make history this weekend as they host Leeds in Women's Rugby League fixture for the first time ever.

Having risen through the divisions to earn a spot in group one of this year's Betfred Women's Super League, the Raiders opened their season with defeat at Wigan as head coach Amanda Wilkinson took on her former side with whom she won the 2018 Grand Final. Although the defeat was 18-4 at the DW Stadium, Barrow also proved resilient against York and Warrington, before getting their rewards in a 22-10 win over fellow promoted side Featherstone Rovers. 

As the season passed the halfway mark, heavy defeats to top four rivals Wigan, Leeds and York were tough for the Raiders, but last weekend saw them overcome Huddersfield thanks to tries from Jodie Morley, Emma Hutchinson, Claire Hutchinson and two from top try scorer Vanessa Temple.

The visit of the Rhinos is the first of three consecutive home matches for Barrow as the season heads into August. St Helens are next up after this weekend, before Warrington arrive in Cumbria.

Featherstone and Huddersfield are also ahead in the final games of the year, as well as a return trip to the Totally Wicked Stadium to take on the Saints.

Round Five Highlights

Player Milestones

Captain Hanna Butcher is two points away from scoring 100 Super League points with the Rhinos. The half back is also two points away from 150 total points for the Rhinos, having scored 33 tries and eight goals since her debut in the club's inaugural game vs Bradford.

Hooker Keara Bennett is four points away from scoring her 100th point for the Rhinos. The former Featherstone Lionesses junior has 15 tries since her debut in 2019, as well as 18 goals (11 of which have come this year).

Fresh after scoring her hat trick against Warrington last weekend, Amy Hardcastle also edges to within four points of hitting a century for the Rhinos. The centre was the club's leading try scorer in 2023 with 15 tries, plus she has nine so far in 2024.

Around the League

Here's how the rest of the Betfred Women's Super League lines up this week:

York Valkyrie vs Wigan Warriors - Saturday 20th July, KO 12pm

St Helens vs Warrington Wolves - Saturday 20th July, KO 2pm

Barrow Raiders vs Leeds Rhinos - Sunday 21st July, KO 12pm

Huddersfield Giants vs Featherstone Rovers - Sunday 21st July, KO 2pm

More information

• Entry time – from 11.30am
• Kick Off – 12pm
• Ticket Prices – £5. Fans who have attended the women’s game are welcome to stay for Barrow Raiders v Sheffield Eagles (kick off 3pm).
• Viewing areas – Standing around the pitch and a small amount of seating available in an undercover stand along the side of the pitch.
• Parking – Street parking is available around the stadium. 
• Food and Drink – There are food and bar outlets available. Cash and card payments are accepted.
• Dogs – Dogs are not allowed at the venue with the exception of Guide Dogs.