Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to take on his seventh and final ball‑carrying duty at the Super League Grand Final, a role that will see him deliver the iconic match ball at Old Trafford on 3 October, live on Sky Sports. This ceremony marks the culmination of a remarkable series of challenges that Sinfield has undertaken to honour his close friend Rob Burrow and to raise awareness for motor neurone disease (MND) across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. The former Leeds Rhinos captain and England legend has become synonymous with endurance feats since he launched his inaugural fundraising run in 2020. Over the past three years, his team has amassed more than £11 million for MND charities, a testament to the rugby league community’s generosity and Sinfield’s relentless commitment.
This latest endeavour will push him to the limit: an ultra‑marathon each day for a full week, covering a circuit of the twelve English Super League clubs before culminating at the Grand Final venue. The journey begins on Sunday 27 September at the home of Hull KR, the reigning world club champions, and proceeds through each club’s stadium in turn.
Sinfield will run a grueling distance each day, stopping at historic grounds that have witnessed countless triumphs and heart‑breaking moments in the sport. The final leg of the trek will end at Old Trafford, the famed "Theatre of Dreams," where he will hand the ball to the players who will contest the championship on Saturday 3 October. For Sinfield, the symbolism of this final run is profound. He has previously led Leeds Rhinos to seven Grand Final victories at Old Trafford, and now he will return the ball to the very stage where his friend Rob Burrow once dazzled the crowd with what many consider the greatest Grand Final try ever – a spectacular effort against St Helens in 2011.
"It feels right to bring the ball back home to the rugby league community," Sinfield told Sky Sports. "Old Trafford is where Rob scored that iconic try, so presenting the ball here is a fitting tribute to his legacy and to the sport that has given us so much." Sinfield’s comments highlighted the deep emotional connection he feels to the venues he will visit. "To run through places where Rob terrorised opponents is especially special," he said.
"The support we received at the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022 at Old Trafford was incredible, even though England weren’t in the match. The love for Rob, for the MND cause, and for rugby league shines through no matter who is playing. I’m proud of how the sport has rallied together again and continues to look after its own.
It will be a truly special night." 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 names in Super League history. He is synonymous with Grand Final night, and his extraordinary running challenges in support of Rob Burrow and the MND community inspire us all.
As a competition, we are delighted that he will now bring the ball to centre stage at Old Trafford, ready for the biggest 80 minutes of the season when the Betfred Super League champions are crowned. The whole sport wishes Sir Kevin and his team the very best for what promises to be another arduous seven‑day challenge." The fundraising effort will benefit six charities that work tirelessly on behalf of those affected by MND: the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland, and the Irish MND Association. Supporters can contribute via the official fundraising page, which remains open for donations. In addition to the ball‑carrying ceremony, the Super League play‑offs will kick off on Friday 18 September with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards at 8 pm on Sky Sports.
The following day sees Warrington Wolves take on Hull KR at 5:30 pm, also on Sky Sports. The semi‑finals are scheduled for 25 and 26 September, with Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors each facing yet‑to‑be‑determined opponents.
All matches will be broadcast live, leading up to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. Sinfield’s final ultra‑marathon will not only showcase his physical endurance but also serve as a powerful platform to keep the conversation about MND in the public eye. By traversing the heartland of English rugby league, he will remind fans, players, and sponsors alike of the sport’s capacity for compassion and collective action. The anticipation surrounding his appearance at Old Trafford is palpable, and the rugby league community eagerly awaits the moment when the match ball, having travelled across the country on Sinfield’s shoulders, will be placed at the centre of the Grand Final pitch – a symbol of perseverance, friendship, and the enduring spirit of the game.