BWSL Semi-Finals: Faye Gaskin

St Helens have had a sensational 2024 season – securing their fourth Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup in a row, as well as the League Leaders’ Shield.

And with a Betfred Women’s Super League semi-final on the horizon, they now have a chance to achieve the treble for the first time since 2021.

For one player in particular, the treble would be the “perfect ending”, as Saints’ halfback Faye Gaskin prepares to hang up her boots at the end of the year and begin a new chapter, as she hopes to start a family.

Gaskin, who is currently the leading goal scorer in the 2024 BWSL, dreams of bowing out one last time in the Grand Final at the Totally Wicked Stadium, and reflected on her side’s superb year:

“I think we were probably written off a little bit at the beginning of the season,” Gaskin said.

“We had lost quite a few players, but we all got together and had a really good session on our common goals and what we wanted to achieve in 2024.

“Our first game didn’t go to plan – we got beat by York Valkyrie, but I think that was a real turning point for us. We knew what we could do and what we were capable of, and if we didn’t win from that point on, then we were underperforming.

“We’ve been brought closer together and we’re a very open up group, which is probably why our season has been so successful.”

Saints’ last treble-winning season came in 2021, but this year was one to forget for Gaskin on a personal note, who suffered a horrific knee injury in her side’s Challenge Cup victory against York, which left her devastatingly sidelined for almost two years.

Told she may never play again, Gaskin was determined to prove any doubters wrong, and showing sheer grit and determination, she persevered, and eventually went on to make an incredible comeback in 2023. Fast forward to present day, and the 32-year-old has been deservedly shortlisted for the prestigious Woman of Steel Award after being a pivotal playmaker for the potential treble-winners.

“2021 was a tough year for me. To actually be a part of this winning squad this year and to wear those medals which the team have achieved is very special.

“We’ve done two out of the three so far, and we’ve got a big semi-final game coming up against Wigan. We win that and then a Grand Final awaits. It would mean everything to me to be able to end my career on a high with a treble.

“I have memories pop up on my phone and I see pictures of when I took finally my first step out of my leg brace. It’s crazy to think what I actually went through and all the trauma that came with it. Nowadays, I don’t even think about my knee – I just put my kit on and carrying on playing like life is normal again!”

But Gaskin takes none of this for granted, and instead cherishes every moment she can. She also hopes her story can inspire others, whilst highlighting the possibility to overcome adversity and defy the odds:

“I’m grateful for what the sport’s given me but most importantly what it has taught me – resilience is key. I always talk to my school kids about being resilient. I know that without my support network, I wouldn’t have been able to get back playing.

“One of my main reasons why I carry on is my niece. My sister brought my niece up on her own, and I want her to be surrounded by so many positive female role models. That is my why.

“Every day I get up and always talk about how she saved me during my hardest times. I went to see her on Wednesday morning and spoke about going to the semi-final on Sunday.

“I do quite a bit in the community too.  At my first community club West Bank Bears, there’s a young girl called Molly who always says to her dad that she wants to be like me.

“As long as you can make that one lasting impact in someone and help them in any way – going down to a training session, giving away some kit – that is your why. I’ll do anything to encourage a young girl to have a rugby ball in their hand, and when they want to do it because of you, then that’s very special.

“You look around the stadium and you see your name on the back of people’s shirts, and it’s insane to think that that’s happening now.”

On her impending retirement, Gaskin is feeling understandably emotional, as she recognised the sacrifices and decisions that female athletes have to make regarding their sporting careers:

“I had a bit of a wobble around August time,” admitted Gaskin. “I thought ‘oh no, this is going far too quick!’, but then we lifted the League Leaders’ Shield and I’m having such a good time; all my focus is on the upcoming semi-final.

“That’s taking up all of my concentration, and not really my life afterwards – we’ll deal with that when it comes to it.  It’ll probably hit me like a ton of bricks when everyone’s back in for pre-season and I’m sat at home.

“People probably don’t realise that women have to stop playing sport in order to do the next steps in their life, especially having a baby.

“I think some people think that we’ll just have a baby and then we’ll be back, and there’s been some great role models in the women’s game for that. But I’m on the older end - I’m 32 and going down the IVF route, which means it would be a lot more difficult to come back.”

But life post-rugby is something Gaskin wants to positively embrace, as she discussed:

“I’m excited for what’s ahead and finding out who I am. I’m always known as Faye the rugby player, but after that, who am I? What do I enjoy away from rugby?

“I’m looking forward to finding out who I am, what my actual hobbies are and finding myself more than anything, once I finish playing.

“I’ll miss the team environment. I’m so grateful for what that playing group has done for me as a player and as a person.

“They’ve taught me a lot of life lessons, and rallied around me when I needed them the most and went through the toughest of times.

“I’ve asked them not to remove me from the group chat and if I can still come to all the socials! They’re the best friends I could have ever asked for.”

And there will be plenty of memories for Gaskin to fondly look back on when the time is right, such as:

“One of my standout moments when I look back will be walking out and playing at Wembley. Walking out of the tunnel that first time was huge, and knowing I was going to kick off the first ever game at Wembley.

“I’ll also look back fondly on the 2017 World Cup, but also the phenomenal moments of this year too.

“We’ve rode so much in such a small space of time since the WSL came about in 2018. I hope one day in the future the women’s game will be fully professional and players will be better paid. I also know a lot of girls have the goal to play at Old Trafford in a double Grand Final header with the men.”

80 minutes away from a Grand Final, Gaskin looked ahead to Sunday’s semi-final tie versus rivals Wigan Warriors:

“We won’t be taking Wigan lightly at all. There’s that added pressure of it being a derby, but we’re ready.

“We’ve been waiting for this game. We know it’s going to be a tough game and what they’ll be offering. Wigan are the team now that can knock us out and stop us achieving the treble, so I’m sure they’ll be coming all guns blazing.

“Thinking of walking out at the Totally Wicked Stadium in that Grand Final gives me goosebumps. The thought of looking up at the crowd and seeing your reasons why would be amazing. If we win the semi-final and final, lift that trophy, do the treble and I can say goodbye to everyone in that way, then it would be so special.

“I’m trying not to think about it too much, and instead just try to get my head focus on this weekend’s game. But in the back of my mind I’m thinking about what a perfect ending it would be.”

Both Betfred Women’s Super League semi-finals will take place live on Sky Sports with Leeds Rhinos v York Valkyrie kicking things off at 5pm before coverage turns to St Helens v Wigan Warriors from 7.30pm. 

The winners from both fixtures will then battle it out for the Super League crown on Sunday 6 October which will be played at home ground of the finalist ranked highest at the end of the regular season, also live on Sky Sports (KO 4.30pm).