Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to take on a distinctive role at the Super League Grand Final, handling the match ball for the seventh and final time in his series of charitable challenges. The ceremony will take place at Old Trafford on 3 October, broadcast live on Sky Sports, and will serve as a poignant culmination of a week‑long ultra‑marathon that has been designed to shine a spotlight on motor neurone disease (MND) and to raise vital funds for the cause across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Sinfield, the former Leeds Rhinos captain and ex‑England skipper, has become synonymous with endurance feats in recent years.
Since launching his inaugural run in 2020, he has helped his supporters raise more than £11 million for MND charities. This year, his plan is to run an ultra‑marathon each day for seven consecutive days, starting at the Hull Kingston Rovers home ground on Sunday, 27 September. From there he will travel to the stadiums of all twelve English Super League clubs, finishing the trek at Old Trafford just ahead of the Grand Final on Saturday, 3 October.
The significance of the ball‑hand‑over goes far beyond a simple ceremonial gesture. Sinfield’s own playing career is intertwined with the history of the Grand Final at the so‑called Theatre of Dreams.
During his tenure at Leeds he lifted the trophy on seven occasions, and the match ball has become an emblem of that success. This year, however, the ball will be presented not to a Leeds side but to the current generation of warriors who will battle for the title, symbolising a bridge between past glories and future aspirations. For Sinfield, the final leg of his challenge is also a deeply personal tribute to his close friend Rob Burrow, the former Leeds legend who was diagnosed with MND in 2019.
Burrow’s most celebrated moment came at Old Trafford in 2011, when he scored what many pundits still regard as the greatest Grand Final try ever witnessed. Sinfield told Sky Sports, "I think it's nice to bring it back home to the rugby league community. This is where it all started for Rob," underscoring how the venue holds a special place in both their hearts. In his own words, Sinfield explained the emotional weight of the itinerary: "To visit some venues where he terrorised opponents is particularly special and to finish at Old Trafford is great.
Rob scored, in my opinion, the greatest Super League try, greatest Grand Final try ever. He won eight Grand Finals. To get a chance to visit some places that I know very well, where the support has been awesome over the last six years, I am looking forward to it." He also reflected on the broader rugby league community’s enthusiasm, recalling the massive turnout at Old Trafford for the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022, despite England not featuring in the match. "We were all hoping and expecting, so it doesn't matter which teams are in the final," he said.
"I think the love for Rob, the support, the love for the MND community will shine through and I am incredibly proud of the way rugby league has come together again and continues to do, to look after its own, and it will be a really special night." Rhodri Jones, the commercial managing director of the Rugby League and interim chief executive of the RFL, added his endorsement: "Sir Kevin is one of the most iconic names in Super League history. He is synonymous with Grand Final night and his remarkable endeavours, all those epic running challenges we have seen over the years in support of his great friend Rob Burrow and the MND community, remain an inspiration to us all.
As a competition, we are delighted he's now bringing the ball to the centre stage at Old Trafford ready for the biggest 80 minutes of the season when everything is on the line and the latest Betfred Super League champions are crowned. The whole sport of rugby league wishes Sir Kevin and all his team the very best on what promises to be yet another arduous and challenging seven days." The fundraising component of the challenge will benefit six charities: the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name 5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland and the Irish MND Association. A dedicated donation page has been set up for supporters to contribute directly to these organisations. Fans can also follow the associated Super League fixtures that will be broadcast on Sky Sports throughout the week of Sinfield’s run.
The schedule includes: - Friday 18 September: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards, kickoff 8 pm - Saturday 19 September: Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, kickoff 5:30 pm - Semi‑Final 1 – Friday 25 September: Leeds Rhinos vs TBD, kickoff 8 pm - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs TBD, kickoff 5:30 pm These matches mark the opening of the Super League playoffs, which will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. Sinfield’s ultra‑marathon, his presentation of the match ball, and the collective effort of the rugby league community all converge to create a powerful narrative of perseverance, camaraderie, and charitable spirit that will resonate long after the final whistle blows.