Women’s Challenge Cup: The soldier, new mum and the nurse – meet the St Helens & York ‘superwomen’

One of St Helens’ semi-final heroes was double try-scoring centre Carrie Roberts, who took her tally to five in just two games after an opening-round Super League hat-trick.

The British Army sergeant, who normally serves in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, is on an Elite Sports Programme to help prepare her for representing England at the World Cup this autumn.

It means she can train and play to build up for the tournament without having to juggle regular duties, and also has wider-reaching benefits for her substantive role.

“Not only do we go away and try to be the best we can in our sport but we go back to the army and bring a lot of things from that environment,” Roberts told BBC Sport.

“There’s leadership, discipline, and there is a lot they can get from sports people. The army and sport are really similar in so many aspects.

“Boxers or rugby league players have to have courage and that leadership and discipline and it goes hand in hand.”

Roberts is excited about the test of playing a tough York side after their victory over holders Leeds, which she says gave the team real confidence for the showpiece.

It is the tough stuff, the physical test of rugby league that Roberts is relishing most.

“I enjoy the competitiveness and putting your body on the line, it’s a sport where all that passion and what you’ve worked for comes out if you get to finals.

“When you’re tired, you know your mate next you is tired, but you have to dig in. I love that, being able to just dig in and keep going.”