LINDSAY ANFIELD has hailed the York City Knights Ladies trio that have been shortlisted for the 2022 Woman of Steel and believes the club could have had as many as six players nominated for the prize.

Hollie Dodd, Sinead Peach and Tara Stanley are the York players in contention of winning the Betfred Women’s Super League’s individual award alongside St Helens pair Amy Hardcastle and Jodie Cunningham as well as Leeds Rhinos star Georgia Roche.

After a season in which York have won the BWSL League Leaders’ Shield and reached the Grand Final – both for the first time – Anfield believes her players are fully deserving of the recognition received from the sport’s administrators.

“Five or six of our players could have been nominated,” proclaimed the Ladies director of rugby.

“For those three, they’ve been the kingpins of everything we’ve done.

“They’ve played in every game, playing big minutes, and been game-changers for us. I’m so proud that they’ve got the reward that they deserve.”

On back-rower Dodd, Anfield enthused: “She does all the hard yards and for her to get nominated at 18-years-old, it shows what sort of a career she has got in front of her.

“She’s a great athlete, a great rugby player and we’re really lucky to have her here.”

Speaking about co-captain Peach, she continued: “She’s the leader of the group. She’s a big personality and she really understands the game and is really methodical.

“She reads the game really well and when Sinead is on form, the team is on form. She’s been a massive part of everything we’ve done this season.”

Anfield said of talismanic full-back Stanley last week: “I think that Tara has brought us through in a lot of games and scored a lot of points for us.

“Plus, she’s entertained the crowds at the same time. In my opinion, there’s no other player in the league that’s doing those things.”

York will be hoping its star trio can continue their impressive in the Grand Final against Leeds on Sunday, September 18 (3.30pm) at the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens.

Anfield’s side are yet to get over the line in a major final, having lost 34-6 to Saints in last year’s Betfred Challenge Cup decider.

How the Knights cope with the pressure of the occasion may prove decisive.

“We’ve got to do our homework but just not try and have too many specifics,” Anfield explained of her approach.

“We’ll have big picture focuses about working hard and continuing to do all the things they’ve done this season and the things that they’ve done really well - cutting out errors and finishing our sets well.”

There is a selection boost for Anfield heading into the final, with centre Tamzin Renouf set for a return after a hamstring issue.

“I think that Tamzin will be back for the Grand Final,” Anfield confirmed.

“That’s great for us. Her work ethic is brilliant, so she’ll be a big boost for us going into that game.”

Prop Alisha Clayton meanwhile looks set to miss out, having been absent much of the year through injury.

“She’s missed a lot of the season and I wouldn’t imagine that her match fitness is there,” added Anfield.

“That’s a real disappointment for Alisha, but I know she’ll come back next season on the ball. It’s just been a bit of a unfortunate season for her.”