YORK Valkyrie have been handed a boost ahead of their Betfred Women’s Super League play-off semi-final, with no fewer than five players back in contention for Sunday’s crunch clash at Leeds Rhinos (5pm).

Emma Kershaw, Lacey Owen and Kelsey Gentles return from injury, young forward Jess Sharp is back in contention after spending last weekend with the England DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) team in France, and experienced centre Carrie Roberts is available amid her commitments with the Army.

Lindsay Anfield’s side will vie to reach a third consecutive Grand Final against a Rhinos side that they overcame to lift the trophy for the first time last October in front of a record crowd at the LNER Community Stadium.

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But whilst last weekend’s 32-6 victory at Featherstone Rovers was not enough to see York earn a coveted home play-off tie, Headingley has proved to be a happy hunting ground for them over the past few seasons.

They have won comfortably on each of their last three visits to the West Yorkshire club, including a 32-6 triumph just 19 days ago.

The winner of Sunday’s semi-final will face either League Leaders’ Shield and Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup winners St Helens or Wigan Warriors at the ground of the highest-ranked team on October 6.

YORK VALKYRIE TO FACE LEEDS RHINOS: Andrade, Bell, Brennan, Eastwood, Exley, Gentles, Hetherington, Izumi, Kershaw, Marshall, Owen, Pakulis, Parker, Partington, Renouf, Rihari, Roberts, Sharp, Wilton, Wood.