Wigan Warriors followed up their Women's Challenge Cup semi-final victory over Leeds with a 34-12 win against them in the Women's Super League last Saturday Betfred Women's Challenge Cup final - St Helens v Wigan Warriors Venue:Wembley StadiumDate:Saturday, 7 JuneKick-off:11:45 BSTCoverage:Live on BBC Two from 11:15 BST; commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3; live text on BBC Sport website & app Wigan Warriors turned some heads when they reached the Women's Challenge Cup final earlier this season. To say they thrashed Leeds Rhinos is an understatement. Denis Betts' sidedemolished the two-time winners 44-14and, short of a late Leeds rally, Wigan never looked in much danger over the course of the 80 minutes. It signalled the rise of another side to the very top of the women's game in England, with St Helens and York dominating the past few years along with Leeds. But what is the secret to Wigan's recent ascent? And where did that performance against Leeds come from? In the build up to their derby meeting with reigning champions St Helens in this weekend's Women's Challenge Cup final, BBC Sport has taken a look at one of the most impressive upturns of late. This video can not be played Wigan thrash Leeds to reach Challenge Cup final Prior to the semi-final in May, Leeds had won their past 12 meetings with Wigan. But Warriors went in to the tie in fine form, leading the Super League table after three wins from three. Wigan legend Betts said there is no secret to why his side have stormed their way into 2025 but the key was forging their own path rather than mimicking the efforts of their quadruple-winning men's team. "What we've tried to do as a team is that we're not trying to look like a men's team," former Wigan and Great Britain second row Betts, 55, told BBC Sport. "We're not trying to look like anything other than who we are as a group of young, inspirational women who want to play rugby, pass the ball and want it to be exciting and enjoy it. "I think you can see that in the way we play." As a player, Betts won seven men's Challenge Cups among a raft of trophies with an all-conquering Wigan side during nine years with the club from 1986 to 1995. After coaching spells at a number of clubs including Widnes, he returned to Wigan as women's head coach in 2024 and swiftly set about turning around their fortunes. In last season's Challenge Cup, they were beaten at the semi-final stage by eventual finalists Leeds Rhinos, and Betts has seen the progression in his side ever since. That loss shaped his side and despite the result, he believes that where the team is now was borne out of their experiences in 2024. "It took a few games and months to get going but we saw a little bit of it in the semi-final [in 2024] when we were beaten by Leeds at St Helens," Betts added. "We saw glimpses of it and throughout this season we've slowly got better and it culminated in a really strong win at York against Leeds [in 2025's semi-final]. "We've given ourselves a chance in the top four but we've never really taken that and put a performance in that would give us a real foothold in that elite group, so to speak. "So we went away and dusted ourselves down. The squad has changed a little bit but not massively, we've still got the core element of what that group is and they've worked really hard." Despite their recent progression, Betts is not putting pressure on his side to succeed at Wembley, knowing that it is an achievement in itself to get there. Since its formation in 2012, Wigan have never reached the Women's Challenge Cup final but know they have their work cut out if they are to beat holders Saints, who have won the competition the past four years running. "Wembley is a fantastic occasion - but it's not the be-all and end-all," Betts continued. "This is a group that is getting better and this is just another step along the way. It's not the end of anything and it's not the start. "This is just a thing that is in that journey and that's what we need - and they need to want that and add meaning to what we are trying to do more of."
'Not trying to be men's team' - Betts on Wigan rise
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Wigan Warriors Prepare for Women's Challenge Cup Final Against St Helens"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Wigan Warriors recently made headlines by defeating Leeds Rhinos 44-14 in the Women's Challenge Cup semi-final, showcasing their remarkable ascent in women's rugby league. This victory not only secured their spot in the Challenge Cup final but also marked a significant turnaround for the team, which had struggled against Leeds in previous encounters, having lost their last 12 meetings. Coach Denis Betts attributes this success to the team's commitment to establishing their own identity rather than emulating the illustrious men's team. Betts emphasized the importance of playing with their unique style, which he describes as exciting and enjoyable, reflecting the aspirations of the group of young women he leads. The team's recent form has been impressive, with Wigan Warriors currently leading the Super League table after three consecutive wins, indicating their growing confidence and capability on the field.
As they prepare for the Women's Challenge Cup final against reigning champions St Helens, Betts remains grounded, recognizing that reaching Wembley is an achievement in itself. He noted that the team has made significant progress since their semi-final loss to Leeds in the previous season, which served as a learning experience. Betts pointed out that the squad has evolved, retaining a core group while also integrating new talent, which has contributed to their improved performance. Despite the pressure of competing against the dominant Saints, who have won the Cup for the past four years, Betts is focused on the journey rather than just the destination. He believes that the upcoming final is just another step in the team's development, emphasizing the need for the players to embrace the experience and add meaning to their ongoing journey in the sport.
TruthLens AI Analysis
Wigan Warriors' recent triumph in the Women's Challenge Cup semi-final has sparked interest in the team's performance and strategy. This article highlights their rise in women's rugby, emphasizing their identity as a distinct team rather than an extension of their men's counterpart.
Purpose of the Article
The article aims to celebrate Wigan Warriors' accomplishments in women's rugby while reinforcing their unique identity. By showcasing their victories and the philosophy of their coach, Denis Betts, the report seeks to inspire other teams and promote women's sports. The mention of their previous losses to Leeds serves to underscore the significance of their recent success and the potential for growth in the women's game.
Public Perception
The coverage is likely designed to foster a sense of pride and excitement within the community and among fans of women's rugby. By focusing on the team's distinctiveness and the inspirational nature of its players, the article aims to reshape perceptions about women's sports, encouraging broader support and recognition.
Hidden Aspects
There are no apparent hidden agendas or topics that the article seeks to obscure. Instead, it appears to promote transparency regarding the team's achievements and aspirations. The emphasis on their unique identity suggests an effort to differentiate from the men's team without downplaying their successes.
Manipulative Elements
The article does not seem overtly manipulative. It uses a celebratory tone and emphasizes positivity in Wigan's achievements. However, one could argue that it selectively highlights their victories to create an overwhelmingly positive narrative, potentially overshadowing the challenges faced by women's teams in general.
Reliability of Information
The information appears reliable based on the context provided. The article references specific matches and outcomes, lending credibility to the narrative. While the tone is positive, it does not appear to fabricate or distort facts.
Societal Impact
This article could contribute to increased support for women's sports, potentially leading to more investment and interest in the sector. As women's rugby gains visibility, it may encourage young girls to participate in sports, fostering growth in both player base and viewership.
Target Audience
The article appeals primarily to sports enthusiasts, particularly those interested in women's rugby. It also targets communities that champion gender equality in sports, aiming to inspire and engage these groups.
Market Influence
While this article may not have direct impacts on stock markets or global economies, it could influence sponsorship opportunities for women's sports teams. Increased visibility can lead to higher investments in female athletics, potentially affecting companies involved in sports marketing and sponsorship.
Global Context
The rising prominence of women's sports, as exemplified by Wigan Warriors, aligns with broader global trends advocating for gender equality in athletics. This narrative resonates with ongoing discussions about women's rights and representation in various sectors, including sports.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
It is plausible that AI tools could have assisted in drafting this article, especially in generating summaries or organizing information. AI could potentially influence the tone and structure, aiming for engagement and clarity.
In conclusion, the article effectively promotes Wigan Warriors' achievements in women's rugby while fostering a sense of community and inspiration. It highlights the team's distinct identity and underscores the importance of women's sports in the broader context of athletic competition. Overall, the narrative is reliable and contributes positively to the discourse surrounding women's athletics.