Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to undertake his seventh and final appearance as the bearer of the Super League Grand Final match ball, a symbolic duty that will culminate at the iconic Old Trafford arena on October 3, with the ceremony broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain is once again lacing up for a demanding ultra‑marathon, this time to further highlight and fundraise for the motor neurone disease (MND) community across both the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Since launching his inaugural challenge in 2020, Sinfield and his dedicated support crew have generated more than £11 million for MND charities. This year’s effort will see him complete an ultra‑marathon each day for a full week, traversing the home grounds of all twelve English Super League clubs before finishing at the historic Theatre of Dreams.
The journey begins at Hull Kingston Rovers' Craven Park on Sunday, 27 September, and proceeds through a circuit that includes the venues of the remaining clubs, ultimately arriving at Old Trafford on Saturday, 3 October, just in time for the Grand Final. For Sinfield, the final leg of this marathon carries a deep personal resonance. He previously guided Leeds to seven Grand Final triumphs at Old Trafford, and now he will hand over the match ball to the current generation of players who will battle for the coveted trophy. The occasion also serves as a heartfelt tribute to his close friend Rob Burrow, whose own legacy is intertwined with the stadium.
Burrow’s most celebrated moment – a breathtaking try in the 2011 Grand Final against St Helens – was scored on that very pitch, making the venue a fitting backdrop for Sinfield’s concluding challenge. "I think it’s wonderful 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 that revisiting the grounds where Burrow once terrorised opposition was especially meaningful, and that ending the tour at Old Trafford felt like a perfect full‑circle moment. "Rob scored, in my opinion, the greatest Super League try, the greatest Grand Final try ever. He won eight Grand Finals," Sinfield added, emphasizing the profound respect he holds for his teammate’s achievements.
He also reflected on the overwhelming support the sport has shown over the past six years, noting the enthusiastic crowds at venues he has visited repeatedly. The sentiment was echoed by the Rugby League commercial managing director and interim RFL chief executive, Rhodri Jones, who 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." Jones continued, "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 drive will benefit six charitable organisations: the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland, and the Irish MND Association.
Each of these groups will receive a portion of the proceeds generated through donations linked to Sinfield’s marathon route. Supporters can contribute via the dedicated fundraising page, which remains open for donations throughout the week-long trek. In addition to the marathon, the Super League play‑offs will be underway, providing fans with a packed schedule of high‑stakes matches. The opening fixtures include Wakefield Trinity versus Leigh Leopards on Friday, 18 September at 8 pm on Sky Sports, followed by Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on Saturday, 19 September at 5:30 pm.
The semi‑finals are slated for Friday, 25 September (Leeds Rhinos versus a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent) and Saturday, 26 September (Wigan Warriors versus a TBD opponent), both broadcast live. The culmination of the season – the Grand Final – will take place at Old Trafford on 3 October, where the match ball that Sinfield has carried across the country will be presented to the teams.
This ceremony not only marks the climax of the sporting contest but also symbolizes the unity and generosity of the rugby league community in rallying around the MND cause. In summary, Sir Kevin Sinfield’s seventh and final ultra‑marathon challenge intertwines personal tribute, charitable fundraising, and the storied tradition of the Super League Grand Final. By traveling to each club’s home ground and concluding at the Theatre of Dreams, he honors Rob Burrow’s legacy, raises vital funds for MND charities, and underscores the solidarity that defines rugby league. Fans are encouraged to follow the marathon, watch the play‑off matches, and donate to the cause, ensuring that the spirit of generosity continues to shine as bright as the lights over Old Trafford on Grand Final night.