Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to carry the Super League Grand Final match ball for the seventh and last time in a ceremony that will take place at Old Trafford on October 3, broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain is about to embark on his most demanding running venture yet, a week‑long ultra‑marathon designed to raise awareness and funds for the motor neurone disease (MND) community across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Since launching his inaugural challenge in 2020, Sinfield and his support team have generated more than £11 million for MND charities.
This year’s effort will see him run an ultra‑marathon each day for seven consecutive days, beginning at the home of world‑club champions Hull KR on Sunday, September 27. He will then travel to the stadiums of all twelve English Super League clubs, concluding his trek at Old Trafford just before the Grand Final on Saturday, October 3. The significance of the occasion is heightened by the fact that Sinfield, who guided Leeds to seven Grand Final victories at the famous Theatre of Dreams, will hand over the match ball to the current generation of players as they prepare for the season’s decisive showdown. For Sinfield, this final run represents a heartfelt return "home" to the rugby league community that has supported him and his friend Rob Burrow for years.
Old Trafford holds a special place in Burrow’s legacy. It was there, in the 2011 Grand Final against St Helens, that Burrow produced what many consider the greatest Grand Final try in Super League history. "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 venues where he terrorised opponents is especially meaningful, and finishing at the Theatre of Dreams makes the journey complete." Sinfield praised the atmosphere that rugby league fans create, recalling the massive support the sport received during the 2022 Rugby League World Cup final at Old Trafford, even though England were not competing.
"The love for Rob, the support for the MND community, and the unity of rugby league fans will shine through on Grand Final night. I am immensely proud of how the sport has rallied around its own and I know it will be a truly special evening," he said. Rhodri Jones, managing director of RL Commercial and interim chief executive of the Rugby Football League, echoed those sentiments: "Sir Kevin is one of the most iconic figures in Super League history.
He is synonymous with Grand Final night, and his relentless fundraising runs 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 the centre of the stage at Old Trafford for the biggest 80‑minute showdown of the season, when the latest 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 challenge." Six charities will benefit from this year's fundraising drive: 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 dedicated fundraising page linked by the organisers.
The Super League play‑offs kick off on Friday, September 18, 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 action follows, with Leeds Rhinos playing a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent on Friday, September 25 at 8 pm, and Wigan Warriors meeting another unknown side on Saturday, September 26 at 5:30 pm. All matches are broadcast live, leading up to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, where Sinfield will hand over the iconic ball to the competing teams, symbolising both his personal journey and the collective spirit of rugby league in supporting the fight against MND.