IT could be a memorable few weeks for Warringtonians Jodie Cunningham and Emily Rudge.

The former Cardinal Newman High School pair have both been nominated for the Woman of Steel prize after sparkling form for St Helens in the Betfred Women’s Super League.

Their rivals for the award will be York team-mates Rhiannion Marshall and Sinead Peach and the teenage Leeds Rhinos centre Fran Goldthorp.

Along with Penketh’s Tara Jones, they will be part of the Saints squad that takes on Leeds in the BWSL Grand Final at Headingley on October 10 having thrashed Castleford 58-0 in the weekend’s semi-finals.

They will also aim to be involved with the England squad that takes on France at the Stade Gilbert Brutus on October 23.

Versatile playmaker Cunningham has scored 10 tries and made 20 assists this year while England skipper Rudge has crossed for 13 tries in 11 appearances this year.

Emily Rudge scores a try for England against Wales. Picture by SWPix.com

Emily Rudge scores a try for England against Wales. Picture by SWPix.com

In previous years, the shortlist has been selected by player votes. However, a Covid-related restructure to the 2021 BWSL season has meant that not all teams have played each other - therefore the decision was made that for this season the shortlist would be selected by an independent panel.

The independent panel members are:

Tom Brindle – Chair, RFL Head of Growth;

Lorraine Marsden – Rugby League Express, Women's RL Correspondent;

Stuart Barrow – England Rugby League Women and Wheelchair Programme Manager;

Andrea Murray – England Women team manager.

They judged players against the following criteria:

A player who has made a significant impact on the season;

A player who has made a significant contribution to the success of her team;

Player judged to have made a significant improvement in own player performance over the season;

Player who has demonstrated a positive attitude and commitment towards professional behaviours and the players’ code of conduct.