Joint Head Coaches Derek Hardman and Craig Richards speak to the press after St. Helens Women’s narrow loss to Wigan Warriors Women in the 2025 Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final.
The pair were proud of their players efforts as they just narrowly lost out 16-12 to the treble-winning Wigan side at The Brick Community Stadium.
Whilst they were disappointed not to come away with silverware both Hardman and Richards cut motivated figures and already looked excited ahead of 2026.
Revealing they have some potential plans for the squad for next season, they also stated the importance of Saints developing our own talent with the Women’s Academy. Players such as Erin McDonald, Caitlin Maylor and Mia Drescher in 2025 have shown they can become senior Saints players, and it is expected even more to breakthrough.
The Grand Final itself saw a record crowd for the event in the stadium, highlighting further the brilliant growth of the women’s game in rugby league. As two men who have been at the coalface in recent years, they were glad to see a big crowd watch a highly competitive game.
