How tough lessons have left Leeds Rhinos in 'better spot' for Women's Challenge Cup semi-final v St Helens

Rhinos’ Wembley hopes were dashed by Wigan Warriors at the last-four stage in 2025 and they later suffered a heavy defeat to the same opposition one game away from the Super League Grand Final. Those losses were difficult to take for a club accustomed to reaching - and winning - finals, but Forsell reckons Leeds are a more resilient side this season, with more experience and depth.

Rhinos have yet to concede a point in three Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup ties, having scored 82 at Leigh Leopards, 72 against London Broncos and 68 in the quarter-final defeat of Cardiff Demons. Saints, runners up to Wigan in last year’s Cup and Super League deciders, will be a far more testing proposition at Doncaster on Sunday and Forsell is confident her side are up to the task.

“Last year we were in a tough spot with injuries in the Challenge Cup semi-final,” Forsell recalled. “It was more about making sure we got people out there. We had people playing out of position and I don’t feel like we are in that spot this year.

“We are in a much healthier position. We had a lot of young players last year and for a lot of them it was their first full season in Women’s Super League. It was the start of Wigan’s dominance and they played well, but we were majorly under-par.

“The girls who were here last year have learned so much from it. They have worked a lot harder in pre-season and they are much better for it, just by maturing a year. Everyone is in a better spot and we are excited to go.”

Forsell accepts this weekend is a step up from the three games Leeds have played up to now, though St Helens are in a similar situation. She admitted: “You could say that, or you could say these are the games we’ve been training to play in.

“We are looking forward to it and it’s no different for anyone else in these semi-finals. It’s a different game for everyone to what they’ve been playing in recent weeks, but the girls are excited and it’s the type of game we want to play in.”

Saints have been a thorn in Rhinos’ side since Leeds won back-to-back Challenge Cups in 2018 and 2019. The Merseyside outfit beat Rhinos at the semi-final stage in 2021 and then in each of the next three finals, including at Wembley in 2023 and 2024.

However, Forsell rejects the suggestion Saints are Leeds’ bogey team. “Absolutely not,” she insisted. “Their coach and players would probably say the flip side of it, we have had quite a good record playing away from home against St Helens.

“I think there’s a mutual respect. We both know it is two quality teams who will go hammer and tongs for 80 minutes. There’s definitely no score to settle other than we both want to book a spot at Wembley.”