Wigan Warriors v York Valkyrie: Petra Woods backs underdogs to upset odds again in Women's Super League Grand Final
York Valkyrie centre Petra Woods is quietly confident the underdogs can upset the odds again after ending Wigan Warriors' hopes of a perfect season.
Last year's treble winners had gone unbeaten all year before York brought that run to an end in the final game of the regular campaign, providing the Valkyrie with evidence that the task is far from impossible.
Woods believes that experience can give York belief when the two sides meet again in Sunday's Grand Final with the Women's Super League trophy on the line.
"I do feel that the pressure is on Wigan after a nearly undefeated season," she said.
"They have quite a number of star players but we've beaten them before, not just this season but last year, too, when York were the only side to beat Wigan.
"There's a sense of confidence that you can take from that – when the timing is right and everybody's mindset is in the right place, it's a job that can be done. That's exactly how I'm treating it.
"I think it'll come down to the last few minutes of the game. It'll be a close game and we're ready for the battle."
While York won back-to-back titles under Lindsay Anfield, the Grand Final presents Leon Pryce's class of 2026 with an opportunity to write their own chapter.
Woods is well aware of what that would mean.
"A lot of the girls have had such long careers with York," she added. "But all the way through to people like myself and Monique Donovan, where it's our first season here in the Super League, to lift the trophy would be such a career highlight.
"We would be so proud of ourselves, our coaching staff and everyone who believed in us since day one if we're able to pull this off."