13 | Jodie Cunningham

Born on the 5th December, Jodie Cunningham is one of the Women’s Super League’s most recognisable stars and a huge advocate for women’s sport and equality in the UK.

Jodie started playing rugby while in school for Cardinal Newman Catholic High School, Warrington. She was then picked to play for England while still in sixth-form, whilst also playing for Warrington Ladies.

She then moved to Leeds for University and again played for England at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, before joining Thatto Heath Crusaders.

She joined the newly formed St.Helens Women’s side in 2018, however, missed out on the majority of the season due to an ACL injury she picked up in the 2017 season.

Jodie also took up a role as an ambassador at the recent 2022 Rugby League World Cup.

Equally as comfortable at full-back as she is at loose-forward, Jodie was named Women’s Player of the Year in 2019 before picking up the same award in 2021. She was also recognised by being named the 2021 Woman Of Steel as she led Saints to the League Leaders’ Shield, Challenge Cup, and Super League trophies as captain in a historic unbeaten campaign.

A proven leader, Cunningham was named England captain in 2023 alongside her club captaincy.

Cunningham has helped guide the Red V to an astonishing four straight Women’s Challenge Cups, including the 2023 trophy which saw our team history by becoming the first women’s rugby league side to win at Wembley Stadium. The Saints backed it up by doing the same in 2024, and also added the League Leaders’ Shield that season too.

In January 2024, Cunningham joined St.Helens R.F.C. in an official working capacity by becoming our Head of Women’s Pathways & Performance, helping to shape the development of young talent to come through our Women’s ranks and play in the Red V.

Jodie Cunningham is the Heritage Number 28 for the St Helens Women.

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