YORK Valkyrie stars Tara Jane Stanley and Sinead Peach have both earned nominations for the prestigious Woman of Steel.

Both played an integral role as Lindsay Anfield's side secured a historic second consecutive Betfred Women's Super League Leaders' Shield after an unbeaten league campaign.

They are joined by St Helens trio Jodie Cunningham, Emily Rudge and Shona Hoyle, and young Leeds Rhinos hooker Keara Bennett in the six-woman shortlist.

Stanley and Cunningham will be vying for their second title, having recieved the sport's highest individual accolade in 2022 and 2021 respectively.

Peach has been tipped for the award by both director of rugby Lindsay Anfield and assistant coach Callum Windley following an outstanding debut season as the Valkyrie's captain.

An ever-present across the campaign, the influential hooker has thrived in her new role, scoring 13 tries and providing 30 assists in her 15 appearances thus far.

"I would never have thought I would have so many contributions at the beginning of the season!" Peach told The Press. "When I saw it, I thought 'are they sure that's the right stat!' 

"Scoring tries is great, but my role is mostly to assist and lead the team around the pitch, so to get those 43 contributions, I feel great about it.

"It's a good achievement, and I didn't think that was possible. I was shocked to see it."

Vice Captain Stanley has also made her presence felt on the pitch, scoring seven tries, 60 goals and two drop goals across the 2023 season to date.

The England international also has 20 assists to her name this season, including an outrageous looping cut-out pass during the Valkyrie's opening day triumph at Headingley.

A surprised Stanley revealed that she had not been expecting the news as she was told of her nomination live on the Sky Sports Rugby League Verdict.

"No way, I'm so shocked, I wasn't expecting that!" 

"Obviously, winning it last season, I was really humbled, but to make the shortlist again this season, especially with how competitive the season has been with the top three.

"I'm really shocked that I'm up there again!"

Whilst surprised by her own nomination, that of Peach's came as no surprise to the full-back.

"She's been absolutely pivotal to us at York this season winning back-to-back League Leaders' Shields," she enthused. "She's been vital in that.

"She's a great hooker, but she's also a great leader, and you need those on the field.

"For Sinead to be up there, it's no surprise whatsoever."

Those nominations cap an excellent day for the Valkyrie, with director of rugby Anfield nominated for the Betfred Women's Super League Coach of the Year and centre Emma Kershaw shortlisted for the Betfred Women's Super League Young Player of the Year.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on October 10.

York return to action at the LNER Community Stadium in their Play-off Semi Final against Wigan Warriors on Saturday (3:30pm).