Game management key for York Valkyrie against Leeds Rhinos

But she insists mental preparation and toughness is key if the Valkyrie are to produce a repeat of October’s Grand Final triumph in front of their home crowd.

Both sides head into the match hoping to maintain their unbeaten starts to the Betfred Women’s Super League season - York having tasted victory against St Helens and Barrow Raiders, and the Rhinos thrashing both Warrington Wolves and Huddersfield Giants - in the competition’s opening two rounds.

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“I’m really looking forward to it,” Anfield enthused to The Press.

“We had a good weekend up in Malham camping and doing a few bits and pieces up there with team-building, and we’ve had some really good sessions in training this week.

“I’m looking forward to it, and being back at home.”

Having let the Valkyrie’s youngsters take to the stage in the Women’s Nines last weekend, Anfield’s squad are well-rested for the fixture against the new title favourites.

But the director of rugby is under no illusions that her side must display better game management than they did on their last home outing against St Helens to claim the points.

“They’ve definitely had a great start to the season, but I’d say on paper, there’s nothing between us really,” she admitted.

“They’ve recruited well in the off-season and they’re a well-drilled side, so we’re going to expect a really tough test. The team that manages it best on the day will pick up the two points.

“We just need to manage the game well, we know that we can play and we know that we can score points. It’s our errors and penalties and poor decisions that sometimes we don’t do very well.

“So if we can manage ourselves well, I think we’ll put our best foot forward.”

Mental preparation is just as important, she believes, after a second-half comeback threatened to see the Valkyrie come unstuck at Barrow a fortnight ago.

Anfield explained: “The girls have learned that mental preparation is far more important than physical preparation.

“We talk a lot about what they’re eating, their sleep, and all sorts of things building up to a game.

“But in that game, it was definitely a lack of mental preparation for Barrow being a tough side and what they could do.

“I think the score [28-8] definitely reflected that.”

A 12-12 home draw with Leeds was the only blot on the Valkyrie's 100 per cent record last season. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography)

Whilst Leeds head the Women’s Super League table by virtue of a points difference of 130, the Valkyrie will be the first real test of their credentials this season.

And Anfield is sure Lois Forsell and her team will be out for revenge from the Grand Final.

“Of course they will be,” she stated. “We’ve played them at home a few times now, and they’ve never won.

“We did draw once, but they’ll be looking to really start their season on Sunday. 

“This will be their first tough test - they’ve not played St Helens or Wigan yet - so this will be their first test and they’ll be wanting to see how they go.”

By contrast, Anfield’s side have already overcome a scare against  Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup holders Saints, tipped to complete the top three come the end of the season.

She believes that is something that will stand them in good stead ahead of this weekend’s clash.

“I’d say that’s definitely benefited us because we could see the difference in intensity between the two games.

“We knew what we had to do against St Helens to get the win and we knew what we didn’t get right against Barrow, but it’s just marginal gains, there’s nothing huge between us.

“But having had that one big test that went down to the wire, that probably has been really good for us.”