League expansion offers top-flight teams a greater chance of staying up but jeopardy remains in contest to steer clear of finishing bottom

The state of play at the top of Women’s Super League, with Manchester City 11 points clear of second-placed Manchester United, means jeopardy has to be found elsewhere.

There is excitement to be had in the likely scenario of a different name on the WSL trophy for the first time in seven years, but at this point we are watching a procession rather than a battle, despite Arsenal’s impressive 1-0 win over City last weekend.

Have you followed the big stories in the Six Nations, Winter Olympics, Premier League, Super League and Super Bowl?

• York Knights 19-18 Hull KR

• Hingano drop goal earns debutants comeback victory

The most incredible result in Super League’s 30-year history? There are certainly plenty of contenders but as North Yorkshire erupted in joy on the night rugby league’s big show rolled into town for the first time, it was hard to think of anything that measured up to this.

Super League’s decision to expand to 14 teams over the winter has drawn criticism, not least over concerns that the two extra sides may not have brought the sufficient quality to compete at the highest level. Yet York managed not only to get off the mark but to stun the defending, all-conquering treble winners of 2025.