Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to carry the Super League Grand Final match ball for the seventh and concluding time in a ceremony that will take place at Old Trafford on 3 October, broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain is about to embark on what will likely be his most demanding running venture yet, a week‑long ultra‑marathon designed to raise awareness and funds for the motor neurone disease (MND) community throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Since launching his first annual challenge in 2020, Sinfield and his dedicated support team have generated more than £11 million for MND charities. This year, the plan is to complete a grueling ultra‑marathon each day for seven consecutive days, beginning at the home of the world‑club champions Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday, 27 September.
From there, he will travel to the stadiums of all twelve English Super League clubs, finishing his circuit at Old Trafford just ahead of the Grand Final on Saturday, 3 October. The symbolism of the final leg is profound. Sinfield, who guided Leeds to seven Grand Final victories at the iconic Theatre of Dreams, will hand over the match ball to the players who will contest the season‑ending showdown. For him, the act represents a full‑circle moment – a chance to bring the ball back to the rugby league community that has supported him and his friend Rob Burrow for years.
Burrow, a former Leeds legend, famously scored what many consider the greatest Grand Final try ever in 2011, also at Old Trafford. Sinfield acknowledges this connection, noting that presenting the ball at the same venue feels especially fitting.
"It’s wonderful to bring it back home to the rugby league community. This is where it all started for Rob," he told Sky Sports. He added that visiting the grounds where Burrow once terrorised opponents holds a special emotional weight, and that concluding the journey at Old Trafford feels like the perfect culmination.
Sinfield also reflected on the broader significance of the event. He recalled the massive support the sport showed during the Rugby League World Cup final at Old Trafford in 2022, even though England were not playing.
"The love for Rob, the support for the MND community, will shine through tonight. I’m incredibly proud of how rugby league has rallied together again to look after its own," he said. Rhodri Jones, managing director of RL Commercial and interim chief executive of the Rugby Football League, 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 fundraising runs in support of his great friend Rob Burrow have inspired us all.
As a competition, we are delighted he will now bring the ball to the centre stage at Old Trafford for the biggest 80 minutes of the season when the Betfred Super League champions are crowned." The challenge will benefit six charities: the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland and the Irish MND Association. A dedicated fundraising page has been set up for supporters to contribute.
In addition to the marathon, the Super League play‑offs will be underway, beginning on Friday 18 September with Wakefield Trinity versus Leigh Leopards on Sky Sports at 8 pm, followed by Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on Saturday 19 September at 5:30 pm. The semi‑finals are scheduled for 25 and 26 September, with Leeds Rhinos and a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent playing on the 25th, and Wigan Warriors facing another unknown side on the 26th.
All matches will be broadcast live, leading up to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. Sinfield’s final ultra‑marathon will see him covering roughly 100 kilometres each day, a feat that demands not only physical endurance but also meticulous logistical planning.
He will be supported by a team of volunteers, medical staff, and local volunteers at each venue, ensuring safety and smooth transitions between locations. The route has been chosen to maximise exposure for the cause, with each club’s fan base encouraged to host fundraising events and raise awareness for MND. Beyond the numbers, the campaign highlights the deep bond between rugby league and charitable action.
Over the past six years, Sinfield’s runs have become a staple of the sport’s calendar, drawing attention from fans, players, and sponsors alike. The initiative has helped demystify MND, encouraging early diagnosis and supporting research into potential treatments.
As the final day approaches, anticipation builds not only for the athletic spectacle of the Grand Final but also for the emotional resonance of Sinfield’s ball‑handing ceremony. It will serve as a reminder of the sport’s capacity for solidarity, the enduring legacy of players like Rob Burrow, and the power of community‑driven fundraising. Whether you are a die‑hard fan, a casual viewer, or someone touched by MND, the event promises a night of sport, remembrance, and hope.