Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to fulfil a unique role at the upcoming Super League Grand Final, taking charge of the match ball for the seventh and final time in his distinguished career. The ceremony will take place at the iconic Old Trafford stadium on October 3, with the event broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos captain and England international is currently gearing up for what will be his latest and most demanding endurance challenge, a seven‑day ultra‑marathon that aims to raise further awareness and financial support for the motor neurone disease (MND) community across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
Since launching his first fundraising run in 2020, Sinfield and his dedicated team have helped generate more than £11 million for MND charities. This year’s effort will see him complete an ultra‑marathon each day for a full week, starting at the home of the world‑club champions Hull KR on Sunday, 27 September, and then travelling to the stadiums of all twelve English Super League clubs.
The final leg of the journey will culminate at Old Trafford, where he will hand over the ball just before the Grand Final on Saturday, 3 October. For Sinfield, the occasion carries deep personal significance.
He led Leeds to seven Grand Final victories at the Theatre of Dreams, and now he will present the ball to the current generation of players who will battle for the trophy. "It feels right to bring the ball back to the heart of rugby league," Sinfield told Sky Sports.
"This is where it all began for Rob Burrow, and being able to visit the venues where he terrorised opponents makes this challenge incredibly special. Finishing at Old Trafford is the perfect ending, especially because it’s the ground where Rob scored what many consider the greatest Grand Final try in 2011 against St Helens." Sinfield explained that the run is also a tribute to the support the rugby league community has shown over the past six years. "The fans have been amazing, and the love for Rob and the MND cause has shone through at every stop," he said. "We were at Old Trafford for the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022, and even though England weren’t in the match, the atmosphere was electric.
It proved that the passion for the sport transcends the teams playing on the day." Rhodri Jones, the commercial managing director of the Rugby League (RL) and interim chief executive of the Rugby Football League (RFL), praised Sinfield’s contributions. "Sir Kevin is one of the most iconic figures in Super League history.
He is synonymous with Grand Final night, and his relentless running challenges in support of his close friend Rob Burrow and the MND community have inspired countless people," Jones said. "We are thrilled that he will now bring the ball to the centre of the stage at Old Trafford, where the biggest 80 minutes of the season will decide the Betfred Super League champions. The entire rugby league family wishes Sir Kevin and his team the very best for what promises to be another grueling seven‑day journey." The challenge will support six charities: the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland and the Irish MND Association. Each organisation will benefit from the funds raised through donations made on the dedicated fundraising page, which remains open for supporters to contribute.
In addition to the marathon, the Super League play‑offs will be underway, providing a full slate of high‑stakes matches leading up to the Grand Final. The schedule includes: - Friday 18 September: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards, kickoff 8 pm on Sky Sports. - Saturday 19 September: Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, kickoff 5:30 pm on Sky Sports. - Friday 25 September (Semi‑Final 1): Leeds Rhinos vs a to‑be‑determined opponent, kickoff 8 pm on Sky Sports.
- Saturday 26 September (Semi‑Final 2): Wigan Warriors vs a to‑be‑determined opponent, kickoff 5:30 pm on Sky Sports. These matches will be broadcast live, leading fans through the dramatic climax of the season and culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. Sinfield’s seventh marathon will not only spotlight the sport’s rich heritage but also reinforce the powerful bond between rugby league and charitable causes. By traversing the venues that have shaped his and Rob Burrow’s legacies, he aims to highlight the resilience of the MND community and the unwavering support of fans across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
The final hand‑over of the match ball will serve as a symbolic passing of the torch, linking past triumphs with future aspirations. As the stadium lights blaze and the roar of the crowd builds, Sir Kevin’s journey will come full circle—bringing the ball back to the community that has championed his efforts for years, and setting the stage for another unforgettable Grand Final showdown.