LEON Pryce has bolstered his York Valkyrie squad with the addition of former Leeds Rhinos youngster Brooke Henderson.
Henderson, who can play as a winger or as a centre, signs for the Valkyrie ahead of their 2026 Betfred Women's Super League season, that gets underway on Saturday, May 16 when hosting Huddersfield Giants (12pm).
The teenager, who came from the North East, has a rugby union background before becoming a part of the North East Centre of Excellence.
Henderson has also represented her country, and works as a Development Officer for Newcastle Rugby Foundation alongside fellow Valk Zoe Hornby.
Speaking on joining the Valkyrie, Henderson commented: "I’m extremely grateful to be given this opportunity and I’m excited to be apart of this amazing team and looking forward to the season ahead."
Whilst Henderson is an incoming for York, two of the Valkyrie's have moved on by signing for fellow Super League side Huddersfield - and could line up against their former club at the LNER Community Stadium on the opening day.
Liv Gale was the first player to sign for Huddersfield, with the experienced half-back returning to action after a knee injury ruled her out for the entirety of the 2025 season with York.
It may come as something of a surprise to Valkyrie supporters, after it was confirmed that Gale had signed a two-year deal to stay at the LNER Community Stadium last December.
The 21-year-old initially signed for York in 2022 from Oulton Raiders, and played her part in the 2023 League Leaders' Shield win, and the League Leaders' Shield and Grand Final victory in 2024.
Gale also won the 2023 Young Player of the Year award for the Valks, which led to a first call-up to the England Knights in 2024.
The departing Valkyrie star told club media on her switch: "I’m excited to be joining Huddersfield giants women’s and to be apart of what the girls and club are building.
"It’s a new challenge for me, with fresh goals to push towards and standards to rise too.
"I’m looking forward to contributing to the teams growth, developing my game even further and playing apart in something special this season."
Joining Gale at Huddersfield will be Izzy Swallow, with the winger ending her stay at her local club.
From Thirsk, Swallow now hopes that her experience with the Valkyrie will help her at new club Giants, telling club media: "I am excited to join Huddersfield Giants Women and begin this new chapter in Women’s Super league.
"I am grateful for the opportunities I had at York Valkyrie, which played a key role in my progression as a player.
"I’m now looking forward to embracing the challenge ahead, working hard within the group, and representing this club with pride as they push for a top four position."
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