Izzy Northrop previews Leeds v Wigan clash | Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Semi-Finals

“We’re hungry to get back to Wembley Stadium” - Leeds Rhinos' Izzy Northrop

Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors meet in the semi-final stage of the Betfred Women's Challenge Cup this Saturday (May 10) at York's LNER Community Stadium with both teams on the hunt for a coveted spot at Wembley Stadium. 

Two-time Cup winners Leeds are hoping to make a third Wembley appearance and a potential first win at the stadium, whilst Wigan can book a debut Cup Final with victory this weekend.

Following two agonising defeats to St Helens at the national stadium in 2023 and 2024, the Rhinos are keen to make it third time lucky this time round. 

“Everyone's really excited, obviously nervous, but we're hungry to get back to Wembley Stadium after falling short a couple of times, so we really, really want to get the job done this year,” admitted Leeds prop Izzy Northrop. 

"We've worked really, really hard over the past few weeks to get towards this. But we’re expecting a tough match and hoping that we'll come out on top.” 

Their opponents have been in prolific form throughout their campaign having scored 224 points and conceding zero during wins over Barrow Raiders, London Broncos and Cardiff Demons.

“Wigan have recruited really well, and they seem to have just got so much faster. So, we're expecting a really tough physical game. 

“Obviously you can't underestimate them. They are a very good side and it's always a competitive game. I think in our last semi-final, it was a draw going into half time and every time we play, it's just really, really close and intense. So, we're really looking forward to it.” 

It's going to be a semi-final rematch between the Rhinos and Warriors on Saturday.

Several of Leeds’ most experienced players have retired or moved on since the start of last season, but Northrop insisted Rhinos’ youth production line have ensured the team is in good shape. 

“Ebony Stead broke into the team towards the back end of last season, and she's been really reliable and a great addition to the squad. Ruby Walkers also stepped up in the half back position as well so they’re ones to watch this season.” 

The side have also been boosted by the return of their head coach Lois Forsell following the birth of her son. 

“It's great to have Lois Forsell back - while she was absent, Leon Crick stepped in as the interim head coach, and he did a really good job over pre-season, but it's great to have Lois back to continue where she left off.” 

The Warriors are almost at full strength going into the tie with only Isabel Rowe (Hamstring) and Vicky Molyneux (Back) currently on the side-lines. Prop-forward Mary Coleman is also set to make her 50th appearance if selected after surpassing 100 points for the Club in the Quarter-Final with a hat-trick of tries. 

Since their debut appearance in the Cup competition in 2018, all three of Wigan's Cup semi finals have come against the Rhinos. Both clubs met in the semi finals in their first season seven years ago as the Rhinos secured a 26-8 win thanks to tries from Caitlin Beevers, Dannielle Anderson, Char Booth and Frankie Townend.

Fast-forward to 2023 and Beevers was a scorer again in a tight 16-4 score line to send the Rhinos to Wembley for the first time, before the club booked their place in the 2024 final in a free-flowing 34-20 win at the Totally Wicked Stadium. 

Having featured in both Wembley fixtures, 24-year-old Northrop is all too aware of just how important it is for the Women’s Challenge Cup Final to be played at the iconic stadium. 

“I think it's really important that we get the same opportunities as the men do and it's great that the Women’s Challenge Cup Final is at Wembley Stadium. It's a great way to showcase the game on the biggest stage in the UK and get the coverage and recognition that it deserves.” 

Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Semi Finals: 

Saturday May 10 – Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors at LNER Community Stadium (midday kick-off)

Sunday May 11 – St Helens v York Valkyrie at Totally Wicked Stadium (145pm kick-off)

*The women's semi-final ties are part of double headers with the men's Betfred Challenge Cup semi-finals

The Betfred Women's Challenge Cup is part of a Finals Day triple-header at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 7 June, alongside the finals of the Men's 2025 Betfred Challenge Cup Final and AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final. Plus, there will be the traditional Year 7 Boys’ Champion Schools Final. Tickets are on sale now!