Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to perform one of his most symbolic duties yet as he will carry the Super League Grand Final match ball on what will be his seventh and final challenge of the year. The ceremony will take place at Old Trafford on October 3, with the ball being presented live on Sky Sports as the season’s climax unfolds. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain has been preparing for another grueling ultra‑marathon trek, this time designed to raise further awareness and financial support for the motor neurone disease (MND) community across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Since launching his first annual challenge in 2020, Sinfield and his team have already raised more than £11 million for MND charities, and this latest endeavour will add to that legacy.
The plan involves completing an ultra‑marathon each day for seven consecutive days. The route begins at the home ground of the world club champions Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday, 27 September, and then proceeds to the stadiums of all twelve English Super League clubs. Each day will see Sinfield covering a new venue, culminating in a final run that ends at Old Trafford, the iconic "Theatre of Dreams," just before the Grand Final on Saturday, 3 October. For Sinfield, this final leg of his journey holds special emotional weight.
It brings the challenge back to the heart of the rugby league community that has supported him and his cause for years. It also offers a chance to visit several grounds where his close friend Rob Burrow, the former Leeds legend, once terrorised opposition defenses.
Old Trafford, in particular, is a site of deep personal significance because it was there that Burrow scored what many consider the greatest Grand Final try in 2011 against St Helens. Sinfield described the venue as a "particularly fitting end" to his marathon series. "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. He went on to explain, "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." Sinfield also reflected on the broader support the sport has shown for the MND cause.
He recalled the atmosphere at Old Trafford during the 2022 Rugby League World Cup final, noting that the crowd’s enthusiasm was massive even though England were not playing in the final. "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 (RL) and interim chief executive of the Rugby Football League (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 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 effort this year will benefit six charities: the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland, and the Irish MND Association. Supporters can donate via the official fundraising page linked by the campaign. The Super League play‑offs kick off on Friday, 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards at 8 pm on Sky Sports.
The following day, Warrington Wolves face Hull KR at 5:30 pm, also on Sky Sports. Semi‑Final 1 is scheduled for Friday, 25 September, when Leeds Rhinos meet a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent at 8 pm, and Semi‑Final 2 follows on Saturday, 26 September, with Wigan Warriors taking on another TBD side at 5:30 pm. All matches will be broadcast live, leading up to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. Sinfield’s final ultra‑marathon run not only underscores his personal commitment to honoring Rob Burrow’s legacy but also highlights the rugby league community’s capacity to rally around charitable causes.
As the final day approaches, anticipation builds for the moment when Sinfield will hand the match ball to the players who will battle for the championship, symbolising both a tribute to past heroes and a hopeful look toward the future of the sport.