There’s no better way to spend a Sunday than by watching some thrilling Women’s Rugby League Nine action.
If you agree, you’re in for a treat on the 14th of May as the Women’s Rugby League Nines competition returns for its 2023 season.
This unique tournament will take place at Victoria Park in Warrington (WA4 1HN), a ground familiar to former Champions York Valkyrie who beat Leeds Rhino’s 7-0 in the 2022 final.
Opening Games
This year, the competition is set to be more exciting than ever, as Featherstone Rovers gear up to take on Super League Champions St Helens, alongside formidable opponents Hull KR and Newcastle Thunder. This is not just another rugby league competition – it’s a gathering of the finest talent in women’s rugby league.
Rules and Super League Champions
Each club will play three games during the day, beginning at 10:30 a.m. with St Helens Women vs. Featherstone Rovers. Following that previous Nine’s champions York Valkyrie will meet Barrow Raiders. Both York and St Hellen’s behemoths are anticipated to dethrone their opponents and join favourites Leeds Rhino and Wigan Warriors in the 2023 final.
About Nines
The competition will follow the Nines structure, but with some new regulations to make the games more interesting. Each half will last nine minutes, with nine players from each team on the pitch. Tries will be worth four points unless they are scored in the ‘bonus zone’ between the goalposts, which will be worth five. All conversion attempts will be considered as drop goals, with penalty kicks earning two points.
However, the Women’s Rugby League Nines competition is more than simply what occurs on the pitch. The event also has a festival-like ambiance, making it ideal for a family day out. It’s a chance not to be missed, especially because admission is absolutely free.
The tournament will also have instructional sessions concentrating on the women’s game, allowing viewers to learn more about this exciting sport. In addition, England Women Assistant Coach Derek Hardman will conduct one of these workshops, providing essential insights into life as a Rugby League coach.
The Final
The top team from each group will progress to the final days at Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday 24th June. An additional wildcard place will be available for the finals, based on competition points and strategic advantage from the second-placed teams.
Rising Stars and Calendar
But let’s not forget why we’re all here – the teams, the players, the action. Among them is are many rising stars and youngsters such as Emma Kirshaw, Liv Whitehead who’s all set to shine in this tournament. With their skills and determination, she’s sure to be one of the standout performers of the day. My daughter, Daney Jarrett will also be making her debut for Featherstone Rovers.
So, mark your calendars for the 14th of May. Get ready to cheer on your favourite teams and players, learn more about the game, and above all, enjoy a fantastic day of fast-paced rugby league action. The Women’s Rugby League Nines competition promises to be a day to remember. Don’t miss out!
Group One
Huddersfield Giants (League 2), Warrington Wolves (Super League), Leamington Royals, Oldham RLFC
Warrington Wolves vs Huddersfield Giants – 10:30am
Oldham v Leamington 10:55
Huddersfield Giants v Oldham 11:20
Leamington Royals vs Warrington Wolves 11:45am
Huddersfield Giants vs Leamington Royals 12:10pm
Warrington Wolves v Oldham 12:35
Group Two
Leeds Rhinos (Super League), Bradford Bulls (WSL Divison 2), Salford Red Devils (WSL Division 2), Cardiff Demons (WSL South)
Bradford Bulls vs Leeds Rhinos – 1:30pm
Salford Red Devils vs Cardiff Demons – 1:55pm
Leeds Rhinos vs Salford Red Devils – 2:20pm
Cardiff Demons vs Bradford Bulls – 2:45pm
Leeds Rhinos vs Cardiff Demons – 3:10pm
Salford Red Devils vs Bradford Bulls – 3:35pm
Group Three
St Helens (Super League Champions), Featherstone Rovers (League 2), Hull KR (Super League, Newcastle Thunder
St Helens vs Featherstone Rovers – 10:30am
Newcastle Thunder vs Hull KR – 10:55am
Hull KR vs St Helens – 11:20am
Featherstone Rovers vs Newcastle Thunder – 11.45am
St Helens vs Newcastle Thunder – 12.10pm
Hull KR vs Featherstone Rovers – 12:35pm
Group Four
Wigan Warriors (Super League), Leigh Leopards, Castleford Tigers (League 2), London Broncos
Wigan Warriors vs Leigh Leopards – 1:30pm
Castleford Tigers vs London Broncos 1:55pm
Wigan Warriors vs Castleford Tigers – 2:20pm
London Broncos vs Leigh Leopard 2:45pm
Wigan Warriors vs London Broncos 3:10pm
Leigh Leopards vs Castleford Tigers – 3:35pm
Group Five
York Valkyrie (Women’s Super League and Previous winner), Barrow Raiders, Hull FC, Workington Town
York Valkyrie vs Barrow Raiders 10:30am
Workington Town vs Hull FC 10:55pm
Hull FC vs York Valkyrie – 11:20am
Barrow Raiders vs Workington Town – 11:45am
York Valkyrie vs Workington Town 12:10pm
Barrow Raiders vs Hull FC – 12:35pm
Confirmed Squads
York Valkyrie Named Squad
21. Matilda Butler – 28. Chevelle Clarke – 7. Liv Gale – 22. Ellie Hendry -16. Ashleigh Hyde – 25. Eva Izumi – 4. Emma Kershaw – 17. Bettie Lambert – 15. Rhiannion Marshall – 9 Sinead Peach – 3. Tamzin Renouf – 23. Daisy Sanderson – 27. Jess Sharp – 24. Chole Smith – 5. Georgia Taylor – 2. Liv Whitehead – 8. Live Wood.
Leamington Royals Named Squad
Jo Groves (C) – Sophie Henry (VC) – Helen Brown – Charley Foss – Siobhan Alison-Moore – Emma Spencer – Viv Wymer-Hoad – Molly Cairns – Charlotte Clarke – Nabs Jaffri – Rachael Brough – Cath Lyon – Meg Willoughby – Amy Jones – Kim Langley – Kate Lawler – Flic Baldwin
London Broncos Named Squad
Courtney Treco – Katie Wallis – Lauran Mueller – Andreas Mena – Ellie Taylor – Ruth Mottershead – Comfort Llozobhie – Natalie Munro – Abi Gordon – Rebecca Jackson – Jess Ingram – Frankie Woolf
Featherstone Rovers Named Squad
Brogan Kenndy – Chole Nash – Daney Jarrett – Dani Waters – Ellie Wainhouse – Emillie Holmes – Gabby Harrison – Holly Humphries – Jessica Lee – Katie Burlingham – Kaya-jo Laning – Kirsty Higo – Lacey Sefton-Appleyard – Natasha Chamberlain – Nyah Morris – Nyomi Lindley – Olivia Grace – Shenelle Mannion – Shavon Craven
Barrow Raiders Named Squad
4. Emily Stirzaker – 8. Hannah Sherlock – 9. Beth Lindsay – 10. Kerrie-Ann Smith – 16. Louise Clarke – 17. Amy Sunderland – 18. Emma Hutchinson – 19. Meagen Byers – 22. Jodie Morley – 23. Cerys Rice – 27. India Jackson – 28. Laura Mellen
Huddersfield Giants Named Squad
1. Pippa Curley – 2. Lucy Burwood – 4. Erin Stott – 7 Becky Grady – 8. Sienna McPherson – 13. Frankie Townend – 14. Ellie Thompson – 15. Albany Coates – 16. Hannah Goodard – 18. Kelly Morgan – 19. Emma Wilkinson – 21. Molly Davidson – 23. Amy Bennet – 24. Abbie Millward – .28 Ana Da Silva
Barrow Raiders Named Squad
4. Emily Stirzaker – 8. Hannah Sherlock – 9. Beth Lindsay – 10. Kerrie-Ann Smith – 16. Louise Clarke – 17. Amy Sunderland – 18. Emma Hutchinson – 19. Meagen Byers – 22. Jodie Morley – 23. Cerys Rice – 27. India Jackson – 28. Laura Mellen
Huddersfield Giants Named Squad
1. Pippa Curley – 2. Lucy Burwood – 4. Erin Stott – 7 Becky Grady – 8. Sienna McPherson – 13. Frankie Townend – 14. Ellie Thompson – 15. Albany Coates – 16. Hannah Goodard – 18. Kelly Morgan – 19. Emma Wilkinson – 21. Molly Davidson – 23. Amy Bennet – 24. Abbie Millward – .28 Ana Da Silva
St Helen’s Named Squad
3. Eboni Partington – 4. Naomi Williams – 6. Zoe Harris – 7. Faye Gaskin – 8. Shona Hoyle – 9. Tara Jones – 11. Paige Travis – 16. Darcy Stott – 17. Philippa Birchall – 18 Alyx Bridge – 19. Katie Mottershead – 21. Amy Taylor – 22. Megan Williams – 23. Gracie Bradshaw – 25. Danielle McGifford – 27. Hannah Roberts – Hook – Brussels – McDonlad – Lowe – Leppert – Arrowsmith
