St Helens’ Paige Travis is relishing the opportunity to gain revenge against Wigan Warriors in a growing grudge match known as the ‘Good Friday Derby’.
St Helens’ Paige Travis cannot wait to get stuck into rivals Wigan Warriors when they do battle for the Women’s Challenge Cup at Wembley Stadium.
Travis, who hails from Rochdale, spent last year in the Australian NRLW with the Parramatta Eels before returning to the club where she won a treble in 2021 and four successive Women’s Challenge Cup titles. Saints defeated Leeds Rhinos 30-14 in the semi-final in Doncaster on Sunday, setting up a repeat of the 2025 Challenge Cup final and Women’s Super League Grand Final on Saturday 30 May.
In 2025, Warriors prevailed on both occasions on their way towards a treble but Travis is relishing the opportunity to gain revenge in a growing grudge match known as the ‘Good Friday Derby’.
Travis said: “Good Friday derbies are the best. This final feels better because the rivalry is there and it’s not just in the men’s game. Now the derby is also our game and that’s amazing.
“I love that we can have a go at each other on the big occasion, that’s so exciting for the players and hopefully loads of fans in the capital. We were facing Leeds Rhinos and York Valkyrie a few years ago, but Wigan have now stepped up to compete.”
Saints fell to heavy defeat 42-6 at the hands of Warriors at Wembley, ending their hopes of a fifth consecutive Challenge Cup triumph, a defeat that hurt a watching Travis more than 10,000 miles away.
“Last year when I watched the Challenge Cup final in Australia, it was really hard to watch the girls get the beating they did,” she said.
“To come here and give our all, to come away with the trophy, is what we have our eyes on. I’ve enjoyed being back at Saints and it has been nice to back with the girls – St Helens is where I belong. To win the cup after returning to Saints would mean so much too. It would be a really good start to my season.”
The England back row described the feeling of winning the Women’s Challenge Cup previously as ‘surreal’ and views the final as a chance to set the tone for the Women’s Super League season, which starts two weeks before the final.
She said: “The first time we won the Challenge Cup, it felt amazing, almost like it was written in the stars. After every Challenge Cup victory, I have that exact same feeling. I get goosebumps even thinking about it. But I know it’s much harder to watch the trophy lift from the pitch.
“A win sets the tone for the rest of the season and while it’s a great accolade, you also have a target on your back into the Women’s Super League.”
The Betfred Challenge Cup Final will return to Wembley Stadium on Saturday 30 May 2026. Wembley Stadium remains a special occasion for Rugby League and always produces unforgettable moments – be there to experience the History, Drama and Glory! Tickets are on sale HERE!