Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to undertake his seventh and concluding Super League Grand Final duty by presenting the match ball at the iconic Old Trafford showdown on October 3, a ceremony that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain is gearing up for what will be his latest demanding ultra‑marathon venture, a project designed to amplify awareness and generate financial support for the motor neurone disease (MND) community throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Since launching his inaugural fundraising run in 2020, Sinfield and his dedicated team have amassed more than £11 million for MND charities.
This year’s challenge will see him complete an ultra‑marathon each day for a full week. The journey begins at the home of the world‑club champions Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday, September 27, before progressing to the stadiums of all twelve English Super League clubs.
The final leg culminates at Old Trafford, where the Grand Final will be contested on Saturday, October 3. Having guided Leeds to seven Grand Final triumphs at the famed "Theatre of Dreams," Sinfield will now hand over the ball to the current generation of gladiators, symbolising the passing of a torch. For him, this last running expedition holds special significance as it brings the cause back to the heart of rugby league and allows him to revisit venues where his close friend Rob Burrow once dazzled opponents. Old Trafford is particularly poignant.
It was the stage where Burrow scored what many consider the greatest Grand Final try in 2011, a moment that cemented his legacy. "It feels right to bring the ball back home to the rugby league community," Sinfield told Sky Sports.
"Rob’s try at Old Trafford is, in my view, the finest Grand Final effort ever. He won eight Grand Finals, and to finish my run at the place where he shone is incredibly meaningful." Sinfield reflected on the broader support the sport has shown over recent years.
He recalled the massive turnout at Old Trafford for the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022, noting that the crowd’s enthusiasm persisted even though England were not playing. "The love for Rob, the support for the MND community, and the unity of rugby league are evident. I’m proud of how the game continues to rally around its own," he said.
Rhodri Jones, the commercial managing director of the Rugby League and interim chief executive of the 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 Rob Burrow and the MND community inspire us all.
As a competition, we are delighted he will bring the ball to centre stage at Old Trafford for the climax of the season when the Betfred Super League champions are crowned." The challenge will support six charitable organisations: the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland, and the Irish MND Association. A dedicated fundraising page has been launched for supporters to contribute. The Super League playoffs kick off on Friday, September 18, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards at 8 p.m.
on Sky Sports. The following day sees Warrington Wolves take on Hull KR at 5:30 p.m.
The first semi‑final is scheduled for Friday, September 25, featuring Leeds Rhinos against a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent, while the second semi‑final will be played on Saturday, September 26, with Wigan Warriors facing another unknown challenger. All matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, leading up to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3. Sinfield’s week‑long ultra‑marathon will not only test his physical limits but also serve as a moving tribute to the resilience of those living with MND and the solidarity of the rugby league family. Each daily run will traverse a different club ground, allowing fans across the country to witness his dedication firsthand and contribute to the fundraising effort.
The final leg, culminating in the presentation of the match ball, will close the loop on a journey that began with a single step in 2020 and has grown into a nationwide campaign. In his own words, Sinfield summed up the emotional weight of the undertaking: "Visiting venues where Rob terrorised opponents is particularly special, and finishing at Old Trafford feels like the perfect conclusion. The love for Rob, the support for the MND community, and the unity of rugby league will shine through on that night. I am incredibly proud of how the sport has come together again to look after its own, and I know it will be a truly special evening." Supporters are encouraged to follow Sinfield’s progress via social media, donate through the official fundraising page, and tune in to the live broadcasts of the playoffs and Grand Final.
The collective effort aims not only to raise substantial funds for vital MND research and patient support but also to keep the spirit of camaraderie and perseverance alive within the rugby league world.