Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to carry the Super League Grand Final match ball for the seventh and concluding time in his series of endurance feats, delivering it at the iconic Old Trafford arena on October 3 during the live Sky Sports broadcast. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain is gearing up for what will be his most demanding running campaign yet, a venture designed to heighten awareness and generate vital funds for the motor neurone disease (MND) community throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Since launching his inaugural annual challenge in 2020, Sinfield and his dedicated team have amassed more than £11 million for MND charities. This year’s undertaking will see him complete an ultra‑marathon each day for a full week, covering a different venue each night.
The journey begins at the home of world club champions Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday, 27 September, and proceeds to the stadiums of all twelve English Super League clubs before culminating at Old Trafford on Saturday, 3 October, just ahead of the Grand Final. The symbolism of this final leg is profound. Sinfield, who guided Leeds to seven Grand Final victories at the famed Theatre of Dreams, will hand over the match ball to the present‑day gladiators who will contest the season’s climax.
For him, the run offers a chance to bring the story full circle, returning the ball to the heart of rugby league and paying tribute to the venues where his close friend Rob Burrow once dazzled opponents. Old Trafford holds particular resonance because 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 to the rugby league community where it all began for Rob," Sinfield told Sky Sports.
"Visiting the grounds where he terrorised defences is especially special, and finishing at Old Trafford makes the journey complete." Sinfield reflected on the broader impact of the event: "Rob scored, in my view, the most spectacular Super League try ever. He was part of eight Grand Final wins. To travel to places that have supported us so strongly over the past six years is something I’m really looking forward to. We were at Old Trafford for the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022, and even though England weren’t in the final, the crowd’s enthusiasm was massive.
It shows that the love for Rob, for the MND cause, and for rugby league itself shines through regardless of which teams are playing. I’m incredibly proud of how the sport has rallied together to look after its own, and I know it will be a truly 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 figures in Super League history.
He is synonymous with Grand Final night, and his extraordinary running challenges in support of his dear friend Rob Burrow and the MND community have inspired us all. As a competition, we are thrilled that he will now bring the ball to centre stage at Old Trafford for the decisive 80 minutes when the Betfred Super League champions are crowned.
The entire rugby league family wishes Sir Kevin and his team the very best for what promises to be another grueling seven‑day trek." The 2024 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. Donations can be made through the official fundraising page, which remains open for supporters worldwide. The Super League play‑offs kick off on Friday, 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity facing Leigh Leopards at 8 pm on Sky Sports, followed by Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on Saturday, 19 September at 5:30 pm. The semi‑finals are scheduled for Friday, 25 September (Leeds Rhinos versus a TBD opponent) and Saturday, 26 September (Wigan Warriors versus a TBD opponent), both broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The culmination of the season, the Grand Final, will be held at Old Trafford on 3 October, where Sinfield will hand the ball to the players who will battle for the championship. Sinfield’s final ultra‑marathon not only showcases his personal stamina and dedication but also underscores the powerful role sport can play in championing charitable causes.
By traversing each club’s home ground, he reinforces the unity of the rugby league community across England, Scotland, and Ireland, reminding fans that the sport’s greatest triumphs often extend beyond the field. As the countdown to the Grand Final continues, anticipation builds for both the athletic spectacle and the heartfelt moment when Sir Kevin Sinfield, after a week of relentless running, will place the match ball into the hands of the next generation of Super League heroes.