Jenna Foubister on Wigan Warriors' treble bid as York Valkyrie challenge awaits in Grand Final

Woman of Steel nominee Jenna Foubister says Wigan Warriors must learn from their only defeat of the season when they face York Valkyrie again in the Women’s Super League Grand Final on Sunday.

The Warriors are aiming to complete a second consecutive treble when they take on York at the Brick Community Stadium, having already lifted the Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield this season.

Denis Betts’ side enjoyed a perfect campaign last year, winning all three major honours, and have put themselves in a position to repeat that achievement despite suffering their only defeat of 2026 earlier this month.

Wigan were beaten 26-12 by York in the league, with the Valkyrie needing victory to keep their season alive. Leon Pryce’s side then went on to secure their place in the Grand Final thanks to a semi-final win over Leeds Rhinos.

Foubister says the defeat was an important reminder of what can happen if Wigan are not at their best.

“It’s still a dream for many of us,” said Foubister when reflecting on the season overall. “There’s been quite a few girls who have played this year that didn’t get to play last year, and we’ve had to go and earn the medals.

“We know what we’re capable of as a team - that’s come through to us now - but we have to turn up on the days and perform.

“Like against York, it’s been a bit of an awakening that we can get beat, and we are beatable, especially if we’re not playing at our best.”

The 19-year-old halfback has played a key role for the Warriors over the last two seasons and is also on the three-strong shortlist for this year’s Woman of Steel award, with the winner due to be announced on Tuesday evening.

Foubister believes Wigan have adapted well after the demands of following up their historic 2025 campaign.

“This year on the whole has been good,” said Foubister.

“It’s hard to back up such a good season as last year, winning all three - it’s hard to go again and beat that, but I think from our pre-season and the hard work of everybody else, and the new players coming in, I think that’s worked really well for us.”

Looking back on the defeat to York earlier this month, Foubister acknowledged the Valkyrie’s urgency and physicality.

“They had their season on the line, they came out knowing that and they definitely performed to a high standard,” she said.

“On the day, we just weren’t good enough as a team and you could see that in the way we came out. We weren’t as energised as we’re used to, but I just think they came out, were very physical and had a point to prove, and I think the point was proven.”

Foubister admits she will still feel the nerves when the two sides meet in Sunday’s showpiece, despite already having plenty of experience of winning trophies in her blossoming career.

“I still get really nervous for games,” she laughed. “Nerves are a good thing, I think. If you go in there too confident, things can go drastically wrong, so I think nerves before big games are good.

“I will be nervous for the Grand Final, I always get nervous, and a few other girls do as well.

“All year you’ve played really well but it comes down to this and you need to perform on the day.

“Yeah we have got a few trophies, but you need to recognise that it’s a very tough competition and we’ve got to put our best foot forward, so playing at the Brick will be good as well, hopefully a lot of fans can come down and watch us.”

The Women’s Super League Grand Final takes place at the Brick Community Stadium on Sunday evening, 5:30pm kick-off. The match will be broadcast live on the Sky Sports + Channel.