Women’s Challenge Cup final: Leeds inspired by Rob Burrow’s legacy

This will be the third consecutive time that old rivals Leeds and St Helens have met in a final, with the Rhinos winning on the last two occasions in 2018 and 2019.

One player whose 2023 final was a bittersweet affair is Leeds full-back Caitlin Beevers, whose long-range Wembley try evoked memories of Martin Offiah’s searing break to cross for Wigan in the 1994 men’s final.

“It was a good part of the game for me, but it wasn’t enough to get the result we wanted,” Beevers added.

“There are a lot of things we knew we had to change, we had a lot of time to change those results.

“This time we want to be on the winning end and I’m sure we’ll put in the effort we need.”

Saints’ success in the Challenge Cup has emulated what their men’s side have done in Super League, bringing them to the brink of a fourth consecutive trophy.

For some of the players, simply making the final at Wembley is the true mark of success as the women’s game grows in stature and develops year on year.

“Wembley wasn’t usual for the women, it’s only the second time,” captain Jodie Cunningham told BBC Radio 5 Live. “We want to keep that trophy and a fourth in a row.

“It’s bigger than I could ever dream of as a young girl.”

Cunningham also spoke of the chance to pay tribute and celebrate Burrow’s legacy as a player, with fans of many clubs making the pilgrimage to the stadium.

While the emotion of Burrow’s passing will certainly linger, both sides know there is also a trophy to be won and the former England and Great Britain player would want rugby league to show itself in its best light on the pitch.

“You want to win at Wembley, that’s what it’s all about,” added Saints head coach Matty Smith.

“It will be a big occasion again, we want the girls to enjoy the week and enjoy everything.

“There will be some who have played and some who haven’t. It’s about enjoying and embracing the week, working hard and then going to the game, putting in the performance and climbing those stairs.”