Leeds Rhinos v York Valkyrie: 'Underdogs' fuelled by stunning Wigan Warriors win ahead of semi-final

The Valkyrie appeared set to miss out on the play-offs before turning the form book on its head.

Having lost the three previous meetings with the all-conquering Warriors by a combined score of 128 to 12, York produced an inspired performance in the final round of the regular season to edge out St Helens in the battle for third place.

Their reward is a semi-final trip to Leeds Rhinos for the right to travel to Wigan in the Grand Final.

Valkyrie assistant coach Mitch Sargent believes last week's 26-12 success could be worth its weight in gold.

"The girls have always had belief and showed it in a do-or-die situation," he said.

"Leon (Pryce) and I have always known they had it in them but to do that in such a pressure game is hopefully going to help us over the next fortnight.

"We're under no illusions that Wigan and Leeds have been the best two teams this year and that we've got a big challenge ahead of us as underdogs.

"I know the girls will do us proud at Headingley on Friday."

While York beat each of their traditional rivals in the final month of the regular campaign, Leeds ended the Super 4s with four straight defeats.

However, Lois Forsell has stressed that should not detract from a largely positive year.

"We earned a home semi-final by finishing second," said the Rhinos head coach. "It's a credit to the hard work the girls have put in.

"We've fallen short the last couple of weeks. We lost to Saints by two points and ran Wigan close a couple of weekends before. We'll ignore the other one that happened at Headingley (a heavy defeat).

"We've learned a lot from the games where we've fallen a little bit short. That's only made us hungrier for this semi-final.

"We know there's a lot on the line and that we have to be at our absolute best. York will be on a high after beating Wigan."

The Women's Super League has had a different look this year following the introduction of the Super Four format, designed to provide a competitive edge that had been lacking.

As far as Forsell is concerned, the concept has had the desired effect.

"You've got to be in form throughout the year and every game is really important," she said.

"Playing top-four games at the back end of the season has been loads better. No disrespect to the other teams but it was really hard previously to manage expectations, consistency and complacency.

"You know you need to be at your best in these tough games otherwise you'll get found out.

"It's exciting for people watching, too, that it's not one-sided. It's made for an exciting end to the year."

Sargent, who was standing in for York head coach Pryce at Monday’s play-off launch, gave the format his seal of approval.

"It has given us consistently tough rugby league week in, week out," he said. "It's been really enjoyable to be a part of."