A dream come true for Vicky Molyneux | 2025 Betfred Women's Challenge Cup

Wigan Warriors Women are in to their first ever Women's Challenge Cup Final!

Wigan Warriors are well accustomed to the Challenge Cup Final but their Women’s team are yet to feature in Rugby Leagues most prestigious event – until now. 

Denis Betts’ side will play at Wembley Stadium for the first time ever after reaching their maiden Challenge Cup final thanks to an impressive 44-14 win over Leeds Rhinos in the semi-finals in York last month and their captain is still pinching herself at the thought: 

“There’s obviously a lot of excitement there, but we're really trying to stay focused and be relaxed about it,” explained Warriors captain Vicky Molyneux. 

“Although, getting that balance is quite difficult at the minute because there’s so much anticipation around the little things like what we're wearing, where we're staying, the journey down, all of that just brings that element of excitement.  

“So yeah, we're just really trying to stay relaxed, to be honest but at the same time we just want to take in every moment and enjoy it.” 

The Warriors have gone from strength to strength since that game, having defeated reigning champions York Valkyrie in the opening round of the Super League and a complete dismantling of Barrow Raiders in Round 2 – but what is it that is making them click? 

“There just seems to be a common collective where everyone is on completely the same page and the commitment amongst the group - despite being a young side - is so professional. 

“This isn’t a glorified hobby for us which sometimes it can be shown as, everyone is taking this to a new level. Despite them being young girls they aren’t taking any criticism in a negative way.  

“We’re striving to be better and better each week - for example after we scored 106 points against Barrow we’re still going into training and team review that Tuesday after wanting to know where we can be better and what we can do to be the best side in the competition.” 

And of course, the weight of a Wigan shirt is also heavy.  

“The minute you get a Wigan shirt that comes with some pressure. Wigan are such an outstanding club that comes with a history of winning trophies, and we just haven't been there for the last few years and that hunger amongst the group, you really feel it this year.” 

Saturday will also be the first ever St Helens versus Wigan Derby at the new Wembley Stadium and the former England international can’t wait to play her part in that history:

“The rivalry is historic in the men's game, but it comes down to us as well in the women's game. For all the years that I've been playing for Wigan, I've never beaten Saints! So, to do it in a Challenge Cup Final at Wembley for the first time would be really special.  

“We know what challenge we're up against. They're going for their fifth Challenge Cup trophy in a row. We know it's going to be some ask, but I think with the mindset, the resilience and the skill level that's on show in our team at the minute, I really think we can do it.” 

The weekend is also a reminder for Molyneux of just how far the Women’s game has progressed since she played her first game of Rugby League when she was ten years old for a boys team from Rochdale before joining Hillside Hawks girls...

“Looking at the transformation in the Women's game is unbelievable. It’s all down to everyone that's investing in it. Just going from the sponsors to all the people behind the scenes, it's exciting.  

“For me, I’m coming towards the end of my career, but you've got some 17 and 18-year-olds at the start of theirs and if this is where we're at now, where is it going be in years to come? It's really exciting. I'm so pleased and rightly so that it's getting the exposure that that it really deserves.” 

The 37-year-old has had a distinguished career becoming the first female player to be inducted in the Wigan Warriors Hall of Fame. She also received the RFL President’s Award in January of 2024 and walking her team out at Wembley will be another emotional achievement.  

“Yeah, I'm a crier I'm not going to lie!” she admitted. “In all the years when I’ve put an England shirt on, I've cried and then again at the national anthem being sang. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and it will be difficult to keep it all together. I well up now thinking about it! 

“I'm just really proud of the girls and also, it's about the families as well and all the obstacles that we've gone through along the way. To lead the girls out is going to be one of the highlights of my career and will be something I'm going to look back on for the rest of my life. 

“My family will be in the stands watching which will be a proud moment for us. My daughter will be walking out with me as well and she is my inspiration. I want to show her what you can do.  

“She just loves being in and around the girls and for her to be there will be amazing. I'm just glad that she can share it with me.” 

St Helens meet Wigan Warriors in the 2025 Betfred Women's Challenge Cup Final on Saturday 7 June (K.O. 11.45am) and will be shown LIVE on BBC Two.

Expect the Unexpected in the Betfred Women's Challenge Cup!

It's Finals Day at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 7 June. Be at Wembley for both the Men's and Women's Challenge Cup Finals, as well as the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final and RFL Champion Schools Year 7 Boys Final, and purchase your tickets here!