YORK City Knights Ladies co-captain Sinead Peach says she is “really grateful” to have been shortlisted for the 2022 Woman of Steel.

Peach is one of six nominees for the Betfred Women’s Super League award, alongside York team-mates Tara Stanley and Hollie Dodd as well as St Helens pair Amy Hardcastle and Jodie Cunningham plus Leeds Rhinos star Georgia Roche.

Former England international Peach has, with fellow co-captain Katie Langan, played a key part in York achieving two major firsts this season, winning the BWSL League Leaders’ Shield and earning a place in the Grand Final, where they will face Leeds on Sunday, September 18 (3.30pm) at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium.

“It’s great to be recognised,” said Peach.

“I got the call late on Saturday night and so it great coming into the game (against Wigan Warriors) and having that confidence, having been recognised. I’m really grateful.”

York beat Wigan 12-4 at Headingley Stadium on Sunday to secure their place in the Grand Final, their second win at the ground in the space of a week, having beaten Leeds 22-14 to win the Shield, which they were finally able to lift after the triumph over the Warriors.

“It means everything,” added Peach on winning silverware.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve lifted a cup. Personally, I think I did it with Cas (Castleford Tigers) in 2018, so it’s been a long time (coming).”

“It’s fully deserved by us. We’ve really dug deep this season and I’m so proud of the girls that we’ve managed to do it.

“Hopefully we can get one more. We’ll go back to the training pitch and really push on towards the Grand Final.”