Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to take on his seventh and final challenge by presenting the Super League Grand Final match ball at Old Trafford on October 3, a moment that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain will hand over the ball at the iconic venue, a stage that has witnessed many of his most celebrated achievements throughout his illustrious rugby league career. Beyond the ceremonial duties, Sinfield is gearing up for what promises to be his most demanding endurance feat yet, a marathon of ultra‑runs 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 inaugural challenge in 2020, Sinfield and his dedicated team have already generated more than £11 million for MND charities, and this latest undertaking aims to build on that momentum.
The new challenge will see Sinfield complete an ultra‑marathon each day for seven consecutive days. The journey begins at the home ground of the world‑club champions Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday, September 27.
From there, he will travel to each of the twelve English Super League clubs, stopping at their respective stadiums and engaging with local supporters. The final leg of the tour will culminate at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 3, just ahead of the Grand Final, where he will officially hand over the match ball to the players who will contest the season’s most coveted prize. For Sinfield, this final run holds a deeply personal resonance.
It offers a chance to bring his mission "back home" to the rugby league community that has supported him and his friend Rob Burrow throughout the years. Old Trafford, often referred to as the "Theatre of Dreams," is especially significant because it was the venue where Burrow scored what many consider the greatest Grand Final try in 2011 against St Helens. Sinfield reflected on this connection, saying, "I think it's nice to bring it back home to the rugby league community.
This is where it all started for Rob." He added that visiting the grounds where Burrow once terrorised opponents adds an extra layer of meaning to the journey. "To visit some venues where he terrorised opponents is particularly special and to finish at Old Trafford is great," Sinfield told Sky Sports. "Rob scored, in my opinion, the greatest Super League try, greatest Grand Final try ever. He won eight Grand Finals." Sinfield also recalled the overwhelming support the sport showed during the Rugby League World Cup final at Old Trafford in 2022, noting that the crowd’s enthusiasm was massive even though England were not playing.
"We were all hoping and expecting, so it doesn't matter which teams are in the final. 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," he said.
Rhodri Jones, the commercial managing director of the Rugby League and interim chief executive of the RFL, praised Sinfield’s contributions, stating, "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 fundraising effort will benefit six charities: the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland, and the Irish MND Association.
Each organization will receive a share of the donations generated through Sinfield’s ultra‑marathon tour. Supporters can contribute via the official fundraising page, which remains open for donations. The Super League play‑offs will kick off on Friday, September 18, with Wakefield Trinity taking on Leigh Leopards at 8 pm on Sky Sports.
The following day, Warrington Wolves will face Hull KR at 5:30 pm, also on Sky Sports. The semi‑finals are scheduled for Friday, September 25 (Leeds Rhinos versus a to‑be‑determined opponent at 8 pm) and Saturday, September 26 (Wigan Warriors versus a to‑be‑determined opponent at 5:30 pm), both matches broadcast live. The play‑offs will run continuously until the Grand Final on October 3 at Old Trafford, where the season’s champions will be crowned.
In summary, Sir Kevin Sinfield’s final ultra‑marathon challenge not only underscores his personal dedication to the cause of MND but also serves as a symbolic bridge between his own storied career and the broader rugby league community. By delivering the match ball at the Grand Final, he will close a chapter that began with his first fundraising run in 2020, while simultaneously shining a spotlight on the charitable work that continues to unite fans, players, and clubs across the sport.