IZZY Brennan believes that joining York Valkyrie has been the “best decision she has ever made” as she prepares for her first Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final next month.

Sunday’s 12-10 victory at Leeds Rhinos earned Lindsay Anfield’s side a chance to defend their title against treble-chasing St Helens at the Totally Wicked Stadium on October 6.

With the absences of key figures including captain, and reigning Woman of Steel, Sinead Peach, Tara Jane Stanley, Tamzin Renouf and Liv Gale for large parts of the season, York’s director of rugby admitted that even reaching the play-offs had been a goal.

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But the club’s rising talents have stepped up to the mantle, with both the fruits of their Under 19s set-up, and dual-registration partnership with Sheffield Eagles contributing to a third-placed finish across the regular season.

Brennan is among those to have had a breakthrough campaign with the Valkyrie, having made the step up from their RISE programme aimed at developing talent in the local area.

The 17-year-old first made the matchday squad against Leeds back in May but was an unused substitute as Anfield’s side suffered their first league defeat in almost two years.

She has though grabbed her chance since, scoring four tries and kicking eight goals across the seven matches in which she has featured.

“I’m absolutely loving it, it’s probably the best decision that I’ve ever made,” enthused the young forward, taking part in her first-ever interview.

“It’s very exciting, obviously it will be my first [Grand Final] only starting this season.

“My first game was being on the bench against Leeds, and now we’ve just beaten them and I’m going to my first Grand Final!”

Brennan has scored four tries for York, including this effort against Wigan Warriors.Brennan has scored four tries for York, including this effort against Wigan Warriors. (Image: Alan Milner/Milner Creative/York RLFC) York though did not have things all their own way at Headingley, seeing tries ruled out either side of Kelsey Gentles’ opener midway through the first half, and video referee Liam Rush was again called upon when Savannah Andrade extended their lead a minute after the interval.

Young full-back Ebony Stead brought Leeds back into contention late on, and the Valkyrie looked to have been plunged into more trouble when England international Renouf was sin binned for a late shot off-theball with just six minutes left to play.

The Rhinos duly capitalised on their player advantage, with Woman of Steel nominee Lucy Murray touching down Caitlin Casey’s grubber into the right corner, despite questions being asked of Eboni Partington after she had appeared to bring down the onrushing Evie Cousins.

But fortunately for York, hooker Keara Bennett could not convert from the touchline, and with a minute-and-a-half remaining, the visitors held on for a fourth consecutive win at their West Yorkshire rivals.

“It was such a good game to play in, and with the environment we were in,” Brennan continued.

“Obviously going down to 12, we felt that might have been a struggle, but I think that we dealt with that really well and managed to keep Leeds out.

“It was a battle, of course it’s going to be. It was always going to be a close game with us and Leeds.

“It was very scary [in the final few minutes], we were all on the edge of our seats down in the dugout! We were all just hoping that everyone could carry on going and keep working for each other, and it worked out.

“Luckily, we managed to keep our defence going, keep our heads up, and we came out on top.”