Wigan Warriors began the defence of their Women’s Super League title with an 18-10 home win against Leeds Rhinos.
First-half tries from Cerys Jones and Anna Davies put Wigan 8-0 up against the Rhinos at half-time.
Eva Hunter, last season’s Woman of Steel, and Ellise Derbyshire extended the Warriors’ advantage to 18 points after the interval, with Ebony Stead and Mel Howard crossing in reply for the visitors.
Wigan, who won the treble of Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield and Grand Final in 2025, have already booked their place in this season’s Challenge Cup final by beating York 52-0 in their semi-final last weekend.
York bounced back from that heavy cup defeat with a 42-0 victory over Huddersfield Giants in their opening Women’s Super League fixture.
Their eight tries were registered by eight different scorers, including recent recruits Monique Donovan and Petra Woods.
Valkyrie are now coached by former Great Britain international Leon Pryce, following the exit of Lindsay Anfield, who guided York to Grand Final successes in 2023 and 2024.
In Saturday’s other match, promoted Featherstone Rovers lost 34-8 at Leigh Leopards.
The first round of fixtures will be completed on Sunday when Barrow host Challenge Cup finalists St Helens (14:30 BST).
