Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to take on his seventh and final Super League Grand Final ball‑carrying duty, a role that will culminate in a poignant ceremony at Old Trafford on October 3, broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain is once again lacing up his running shoes for an ultra‑marathon trek that aims to shine a spotlight on motor neurone disease (MND) and to raise vital funds for charities across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
Since launching his inaugural challenge in 2020, Sinfield and his dedicated team have amassed more than £11 million for the MND community. This year’s endeavour will see him complete a grueling ultra‑marathon each day for a full week, covering a circuit that begins at the home of the world club champions Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday, September 27.
From there, he will travel to the stadiums of all twelve English Super League clubs, finishing his odyssey at the iconic Theatre of Dreams – Old Trafford – just in time for the Grand Final on Saturday, October 3. The symbolism of the journey is profound.
Sinfield, who guided Leeds to seven Grand Final victories, will hand the match ball to the players who will contest the season’s most important game. It is a full‑circle moment that links his storied playing career with his tireless charitable work.
The final leg of the run holds special resonance because Old Trafford was the venue where his close friend and former teammate Rob Burrow scored what many consider the greatest Grand Final try in 2011, a moment that has become part of rugby league folklore. "I think it’s nice to bring it back home to the rugby league community. This is where it all started for Rob," Sinfield told Sky Sports, reflecting on the emotional weight of the venue.
He added that visiting the grounds where Burrow once terrorised opposition defenses adds a layer of personal significance, and that concluding the challenge at Old Trafford feels like a fitting tribute to both his friend and the sport they love. Sinfield’s remarks continued: "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. We were here for the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022 and the support we got that night was immense, even though England weren’t in the final. It doesn’t matter which teams are playing – the love for Rob, the support for the MND community, and the unity of rugby league shine through. I am incredibly proud of how the sport has come together again to look after its own, and I know it will be a really special night." Rhodri Jones, 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 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 centre stage at Old Trafford 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 his team the very best on what promises to be yet another arduous and challenging seven days." This year’s challenge supports six charitable organisations: the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland and the Irish MND Association. Each will benefit from the donations generated through Sinfield’s run, ensuring that the fundraising impact reaches both local and cross‑border communities affected by MND.
Supporters can contribute via the dedicated fundraising page, which remains open for donations. The schedule of the Super League play‑offs, which will run alongside Sinfield’s journey, is as follows: - Friday, September 18: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards, kickoff 8 pm on Sky Sports - Saturday, September 19: Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, kickoff 5:30 pm on Sky Sports - Semi‑Final 1 – Friday, September 25: Leeds Rhinos vs TBD, kickoff 8 pm on Sky Sports - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday, September 26: Wigan Warriors vs TBD, kickoff 5:30 pm on Sky Sports The play‑offs commence on September 18 and will continue through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, providing a dramatic backdrop to Sinfield’s final ultra‑marathon. By the time he reaches the stadium, the atmosphere will be electric, with fans eager to see the match ball – a symbol of both sporting excellence and charitable dedication – placed in the hands of the athletes who will battle for the championship.
Sinfield’s commitment goes beyond the physical challenge; it reflects a deep personal connection to the cause. After Rob Burrow’s diagnosis with MND in 2019, Sinfield launched his first marathon in 2020, a venture that quickly grew into a series of increasingly ambitious runs, each raising more money and awareness. His perseverance has inspired countless fans, fellow players, and the broader public to engage with the MND community, highlighting the power of sport to drive social change. As the final day approaches, the rugby league world watches with anticipation.
The convergence of Sinfield’s last ball‑carrying duty, his marathon of endurance, and the climactic Grand Final creates a narrative of resilience, friendship, and collective effort. Whether you are a die‑hard fan, a supporter of MND charities, or simply someone moved by stories of human determination, Sir Kevin Sinfield’s seventh challenge offers a compelling reminder that greatness on the field can translate into lasting impact off it. For those wishing to follow the journey in real time, updates are being shared across social media platforms, and the fundraising page provides a live tally of contributions. The hope is that the final tally will surpass previous years, delivering even greater resources to the six beneficiary charities and further cementing Sinfield’s legacy as both a rugby league legend and a champion for the MND cause.