Who’s Playing In Women’s Origin 2025? Wigan Warriors Dominate Lancashire Squad

Women’s Rugby League is having a massive moment right now, and if you’re a Wigan Warriors fan, there’s plenty to smile about. Eight of their players have been called up to the Lancashire squad for this summer’s Women’s Origin clash with Yorkshire, and it’s all set to go down on Saturday 2 August 2025 at Sewell Group Craven Park in Hull.

If you’re wondering who’s who, what it all means, and why this matters, especially with Super League still in full swing, stick around. Let’s break it down in plain English.

Wigan Warriors lead the Red Rose charge

When a team’s having a good year, you expect their players to get noticed. That’s exactly what’s happened at Wigan. Fresh from winning the Challenge Cup at Wembley and defending their Nines crown, they’re currently sitting top of the Women’s Super League, three points ahead of St Helens and York Valkyrie.

So, no shock then that eight of their stars have made it into Lancashire’s 19-player squad. That’s nearly half the team. Here's who’s made the cut:

• Anna Davies
• Eva Hunter
• Georgia Wilson
• Grace Banks
• Izzy Rowe
• Jenna Foubister
• Mia-Jayne Atherton
• Molly Jones

All of them play key roles in Wigan’s charge this season, but names like Banks and Hunter especially stand out. Banks was Player of the Match in Wigan’s Wembley win over Saints. That’s the kind of game that gets you picked for Origin.

What even is the Women’s Origin?

Think of it like a derby with deep roots. Players are picked based on where they’re from, Lancashire or Yorkshire, rather than which club they play for. It’s bragging rights, old-school rivalries, and a stage to show you belong in an England shirt.

The game on 2 August 2025 is the first of two Origin clashes this year. The second is set for Sunday 19 October, just two weeks after the Women’s Super League Grand Final.

If you’re free that Saturday in August, the Origin is part of a double-header at Hull KR's stadium. The Men’s Academy Origin kicks off at 12 noon, followed by the Women’s game at 2pm. Tickets are only £5 for adults and £2 for concessions, and if you can’t make it, you can watch both matches live on the England Rugby League YouTube channel.

A rising star from Saints and a few familiar faces

St Helens also have a strong presence, 10 players across both squads, with Luci McColm earning her first Origin nod. She's only 21 but already bagged 10 tries this season, including a hat-trick against Leigh Leopards. That puts her just one behind the league’s joint top scorers, Amelia Brown from Huddersfield Giants, and Wigan’s Banks and Hunter.

Another eye-catching name is Zoe Hornby, once a regular for England Women, now back in action for York Valkyrie after returning to the sport in May. She’s been picked for Yorkshire, alongside eight of her Valkyrie teammates.

And yes, Yorkshire look strong too. Their squad is packed with talent from top clubs:

• Leeds Rhinos
• Huddersfield Giants
• St Helens
• York Valkyrie

Here’s the full list for both counties.

Who’s in the 2025 Women’s Origin squads?

Lancashire:

• Wigan Warriors: Anna Davies, Eva Hunter, Georgia Wilson, Grace Banks, Izzy Rowe, Jenna Foubister, Mia-Jayne Atherton, Molly Jones
• St Helens: Beri Salihi, Darcy Stott, Emily Rudge, Jodie Cunningham, Katie Mottershead, Luci McColm, Vicky Whitfield, Zoe Harris
• Leigh Leopards: Charlotte Melvin, Emily Baggaley
• York Valkyrie: Eboni Partington

Yorkshire:

• Huddersfield Giants: Amelia Brown, Molly Iceton
• Leeds Rhinos: Bella Sykes, Ebony Stead, Evie Cousins, Izzy Northrop, Lucy Murray, Ruby Bruce, Ruby Walker
• St Helens: Caitlin Casey, Phoebe Hook, Shona Hoyle
• York Valkyrie: Emma Kershaw, Georgie Dagger, Jasmine Bell, Liv Wood, Savannah Andrade, Tamzin Renouf, Zoe Hornby

Training begins soon

Before the big day, both squads will come together for training on Wednesday 30 July. It's a good mix of seasoned England internationals and exciting young players looking to make their mark. For many, this is more than just a game, it’s a chance to push for national selection.

Why this matters if you love rugby league

The Women’s Origin isn’t just a fun one-off. It’s become a proper proving ground. With the Women’s Super League gaining momentum and more matches being shown online or on telly, there’s never been a better time to get into it.

If you're someone who’s watched rugby league now and then, or maybe only follows the men's teams, this is your invite to see what the women’s game is all about. These players aren’t just talented, they’re shaping the future of the sport.

And if you support Wigan, well… eight of your own are in the spotlight. That’s worth watching.

Watch it or turn up, either way, don’t miss it

Grab a cheap ticket, stream it live, or just keep your eye on the highlights. Whether you’re team Red Rose or team White Rose, this year’s Women’s Origin is shaping up to be something special.

Mark the date: Saturday 2 August, 2pm kickoff.