Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to take on his seventh and final ball‑carrying mission ahead of the Super League Grand Final, a role that will see him deliver the iconic match ball at Old Trafford on October 3, broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain is once again preparing for a demanding ultra‑marathon series, this time aimed at raising 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 generated more than £11 million for MND charities. This year’s effort will see him complete an ultra‑marathon each day for seven consecutive days, starting at the home of world club champions Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday, 27 September. He will then travel to the stadiums of all twelve English Super League clubs, culminating in a final run to Old Trafford the day before the Grand Final, Saturday, 3 October. The significance of this final ball‑handing ceremony is heightened by Sinfield’s personal history with the venue.
He led Leeds Rhinos to seven Grand Final victories at the famed "Theatre of Dreams," and now he will hand the ball to the current generation of players who will battle for the title. Moreover, the event carries a poignant tribute to his close friend and former teammate Rob Burrow, whose legendary career is intertwined with the same stadiums. Burrow’s most celebrated moment – a breathtaking try in the 2011 Grand Final against St Helens – was scored at Old Trafford, making the venue a fitting backdrop for Sinfield’s concluding challenge. "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 added that visiting the grounds where Burrow once terrorised opponents is especially meaningful, and that finishing the run at Old Trafford feels like the perfect book‑end to the journey. Rob Burrow’s 2011 try is often hailed as the greatest Grand Final try ever witnessed, and Burrow himself collected eight Grand Final medals during his career. Sinfield’s reflections highlighted the deep respect he holds for Burrow’s achievements and the broader impact of their shared cause.
"Rob scored, in my opinion, the greatest Super League try, greatest Grand Final try ever. He won eight Grand Finals," Sinfield said, emphasizing how the MND community and rugby league fans have rallied around their cause. Sinfield also recalled the atmosphere at Old Trafford during the 2022 Rugby League World Cup final, noting the overwhelming support the sport received even though England were not in the final. "We were here (Old Trafford) for the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022 and the support we got that night was immense," he said.
"It doesn’t matter which teams are playing – the love for Rob, the support for the MND community, and the passion for rugby league shine through. I am incredibly proud of how the sport has united again to look after its own.
It will be a truly special night." Rhodri Jones, the commercial managing director of the Rugby League and interim chief executive of the RFL, praised Sinfield’s contribution: "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." This year’s challenge supports 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 via the dedicated fundraising page linked by the organizers. 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 meet Hull KR at 5:30 pm, also on Sky Sports. The semi‑finals are scheduled for Friday, 25 September (Leeds Rhinos versus a TBD opponent at 8 pm) and Saturday, 26 September (Wigan Warriors versus a TBD opponent at 5:30 pm), both broadcast live. The season culminates with the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, where the match ball that Sinfield has carried across the country will be presented to the players, symbolising both the sport’s heritage and the ongoing fight against MND.
Sinfield’s seven‑day ultra‑marathon not only showcases his physical endurance but also serves as a powerful platform to unite fans, clubs, and charities around a common purpose. By traversing each Super League venue, he honors the communities that have supported him and Burrow throughout the years, while shining a spotlight on the critical need for research, care, and support for those living with motor neurone disease. The final presentation of the ball at Old Trafford will be a moment of celebration, remembrance, and hope – a testament to the resilience of the rugby league family and its unwavering commitment to making a difference beyond the field.