Barrow Raiders Women 6 Leeds Rhinos Women 46

By Sam Brocksom

Leeds Rhinos Women secured a third win of the Women's Super League season after a 46-6 victory over Barrow Raiders.

Liv Whitehead crossed for a first-half hat-trick, whilst three other players added try doubles in the 11-try win. Conversions would be Lois Forsell's side's downfall this afternoon, with the side adding just one of the 11 attempts.

It was a much-changed side for the trip to Cumbria. Mel Howard, Ruby Enright and Ella Donnelly all dropped out, with Jess Sharp, Tally Bryer and debutant Amelia Hirst coming in.

Hirst, who was named the Women's U19s Player of the Year last season, started on the wing with Ebony Stead moving to full-back. Bryer partnered Ruby Walker in the halves, whilst Frankie Blakey made her first career start at loose forward.

Whitehead would open the scoring just three minutes in, with Leeds using the ball well to allow her to score on the right edge.

Barrow would quickly respond, as they went route one with Jodie Morley crashing in under the posts. The conversion was successful. The Raiders almost scored a second in quick succession, with Blossom Howell making a break downfield. Stead was able to track back and make the cover tackle, with Leeds then able to hold the home side out for the rest of the set.

After Barrow's short period of momentum, Leeds would respond with points, as Shannon Brown and debutant Amelia Hirst both crossed for tries. Brown broke the line 30 metres out before touching down, whilst Hirst did well to finish the opportunity in the left corner.

Whitehead's second and third would come before the half-time hooter. Leeds used their shape well, and were able to create overlaps that allowed the former York Valkyrie player to touch down twice.

After four missed conversions from Walker, Bryer took over kicking duties but couldn't add the extras, meaning Leeds led 20-6 at the break.

Two tries from Nicole Kennedy got Leeds into a great position after the break. The centre first capitalised off a repeat set to score, before breaking free and racing away in the very next set.

Lucy Murray added her sixth try of the season in trademark fashion, barging over from a short ball from Walker to increase the lead to 32-6. Ebony Stead then added two scores in as many minutes, first diving over from close range before then finishing off some off-the-cuff play down on the right-hand side.

The final score went to Brown, who added her second thanks to a crash play. Since returning from injury in 2025, the homegrown talent has scored nine tries. With Bryer and Walker having an off-day with the tee, Whitehead stepped up to the task and added the final conversion, giving Leeds a 46-6 win.

Leeds: Stead, Whitehead, Kennedy, Boyd, Hirst, Bryer, Walker, Glynn, Bennett, Brown, Owen, Murray, Blakey
Bench: Bruce, Short, Sharp, Wambalu

Tries: Whitehead x3, Kennedy x2, Brown x2, Stead x2, Murray, Hirst
Goals: Walker 0/4, Bryer 0/6, Whitehead 1/1