As the race for the Betfred Women's Super League League Leaders' Shield intensifies with four rounds remaining, Leeds Rhinos Women take on top four rivals Wigan Warriors for the first time in the league season as the two clubs go head to head at AMT Headingley on Friday 9th August, kick off 7pm.

As the Rhinos begin a run of three consecutive home games over the next three rounds, Lois Forsell's side have picked up form since their last home outing against St Helens as they enter this week with three consecutive wins from away games against Warrington, Barrow and Featherstone. Wigan have also turned around their form after a loss to Saints as they head to Leeds on the back of wins over Huddersfield and York.

Take a look at our match preview:

Opposition Preview

With Dennis Betts at the helm, Wigan Warriors have risen up the league table to compete at the top once again

This season has been one of the club's best in the Women's competition to date as they led the sides out of the gates early doors. Starting with a 18-4 win over Barrow back in April, the side built confidence over the next three rounds as they recorded further wins against Featherstone, Huddersfield and Warrington to take a firm grip at the top of the league. 

Only St Helens have beaten the Warriors in 2024 in a 24-8 outing at the Totally Wicked Stadium, before a tight 16-12 contest went in favour of the visiting side to the Brick Community Stadium. Elsewhere though Wigan continued to find success in wins over the Raiders, Rovers, Giants again, as well as reigning Grand Final champions York Valkyrie at the end of July. On top of that, they added their debut Nines title at Hull KR's Sewell Group Craven Park as they beat Leeds in the final 21-0.

Centre Anna Davies has earned the plaudits this season as the side's top try scorer. Davies was rewarded for her 20 tries in 14 starts this season with an England cap during the midseason international against France, plus Isabel Rowe also featured in the forward pack for Stu Barrow's side. Long serving players Mary Coleman, Rachel Thompson and Holly Speakman have been mainstays of the Warriors' forwards in 2024, as well as Georgia Wilson after she arrived back from Australia to sign with her hometown club.

A win this Friday would see Wigan avenge their Challenge Cup semi final defeat to Leeds from back in May, plus it would move them a step closer to challenging St Helens, who come into this round as the league leaders. 

After a break in the schedule for the remainder of August, three games in quick succession sees the Warriors play all of their remaining games at home, starting with a clash with Warrington at the start of the month. Their final two games both come against top four opposition in the shape of York and Leeds though, as the race for the League Leaders' will be decided.

Round 10 Highlights

The Rhinos kicked off August in style last weekend as 13 tries, including two from debutants Ruby Walker and Ebony Stead, helped the Rhinos to a convincing 68-6 win over Featherstone Rovers Women on the road.

Previous Meetings

2023 - Leeds Rhinos 16 Wigan Warriors 0 (Round 10)

2023 - Wigan Warriors 0 Leeds Rhinos 52 (Round 5)

2022 - Leeds Rhinos 64 Wigan Warriors 16 (Round 5)

2022 - Wigan Warriors 16 Leeds Rhinos 48 (Round 4)

2021 - Leeds Rhinos 28 Wigan Warriors 10 (Play Offs, Game 4)

2021 - Wigan Warriors 6 Leeds Rhinos 28 (Round 8)

2019 - Leeds Rhinos 16 Wigan Warriors 0 (Round 14)

2019 - Wigan Warriors 4 Leeds Rhinos 12 (Round 4)

2018 - Leeds Rhinos 16 Wigan Warriors 18 (Grand Final)

2018 - Leeds Rhinos 22 Wigan Warriors 23 (Round 9)

2018 - Wigan Warriors 14 Leeds Rhinos 20 (Round 2)

Milestones

• Rhinos captain Hanna Butcher is two points away from reaching 100 points scored in the Betfred Women's Super League with Leeds. She is also two points away from reaching 150 points scored for the club, having debuted back in 2018.
• Hooker Keara Bennett is ten points away from reaching 100 points scored in the Betfred Women's Super League with Leeds.

Round 11 Fixtures

Here's how the rest of the Betfred Women's Super League lines up this weekend with four games remaining.

Leeds Rhinos vs Wigan Warriors - Friday 9th August, KO 7pm

St Helens vs Featherstone Rovers - Saturday 10th August, KO 12pm

Barrow Raiders vs Warrington Wolves - Saturday 10th August, KO 12pm

York Valkyrie vs Huddersfield Giants - Sunday 11th August, KO 12pm

More Information

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices for this game are:

• Adults - £10
• Juniors (aged 16 and under) – FREE  *Juniors do not require a ticket for this game and access will be given on the day.
• Leeds Rhinos 2024 Season Members – FREE   *2024 Season Members can access for free using their 2024 Season Membership card at the turnstiles

Fans can access AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium through the South Stand (Gate E) turnstiles located on St Michael’s Lane from 6pm

The Tetley’s South Stand (along the side, undercover) is open for this game and fans can choose on the day between:

• Unreserved seating in the South Stand seats
• Standing on the South Stand terrace
• Wheelchair-accessible positions are available in front of the South Stand Terrace.

Parking and Travelling to AMT Headingley

Car Parking is available in Car Park F next to the railway bridge on St Michaels Lane (LS6 3BR). This is free and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking cannot be pre-booked.

However you choose to travel to AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium, please ensure you do so safely and, where possible, sustainably. Turnstiles will open 1 hour before kick-off, so please plan your journey accordingly to allow plenty of time to arrive at the stadium. Keep an eye on possible road closures here - https://one.network/uk/leeds

Please remember that AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium is situated in a residential area, and we ask that you respect our neighbours when arriving and departing from the stadium. 

Inside the ground

Food and Drinks: There will be a concession unit in the South Stand Car Park selling food along with hot drinks and soft drinks (card payments only).

Pyrotechnics, Flashing Floodlights, Special Effects and Flash Photography: During the match day or event day entertainment (pre, half time and post-match) there may be use of pyrotechnics, flashing floodlights, special effects and flash photography.

How to buy

Tickets can be purchased in the following ways:

• Online – tickets are currently available online at tickets.therhinos.co.uk and will be available until kick off. Fans will receive their tickets by email to use at the turnstiles.
• Over the phone (0371 423 1315) – tickets can be purchased by calling Leeds Rhinos Ticket Office between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday and fans will receive their tickets by email to use at the turnstiles.
• At the turnstiles –tickets will be available using contactless payment with either a credit / debit card or payment using a smartphone. Please note cash cannot be accepted at the turnstiles.
• From Leeds Rhinos Ticket Office - Leeds Rhinos Ticket Office will be open for collections and general enquiries. Tickets will be available to purchase, with card payments preferred but cash can be accepted.