Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to take on his seventh and final match‑ball‑carrying mission at the Super League Grand Final, a role that will see him hand over the iconic ball at Old Trafford on 3 October during the live Sky Sports broadcast. The former Leeds Rhinos captain and England stalwart is not only preparing to fulfil this ceremonial duty but is also about to embark on what promises to be his most demanding ultra‑marathon challenge yet, a seven‑day run designed to raise both awareness and vital funds for the motor neurone disease (MND) community across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Since launching his first annual fundraising run in 2020, Sinfield and his dedicated team have generated more than £11 million for MND charities. This year’s endeavour will see him complete an ultra‑marathon each day for a full week, 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, culminating in a final leg that ends at Old Trafford just before the Grand Final on Saturday, 3 October. The symbolism of this final run is profound.
Sinfield, who guided Leeds to seven Grand Final triumphs at the famous "Theatre of Dreams," will now present the match ball to the new generation of players who will battle for the title. It is a full‑circle moment that links his storied playing career with his tireless charitable work.
"It feels right to bring the ball back to the rugby league family where it all began for Rob," Sinfield told Sky Sports, referring to his close friend and former teammate Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND in 2019. Old Trafford holds a special place in both men’s histories. It was at this venue that Burrow scored what many consider the greatest Grand Final try ever – a spectacular effort against St Helens in 2011 – and it was also the site of the 2022 Rugby League World Cup final, an event that drew massive support even though England were not participants. Sinfield reflected on the atmosphere of that night, noting that the passion of the fans transcended the teams on the field: "We were all hoping and expecting, so it doesn’t matter which teams are in the final.
The love for Rob, the support for the MND community, and the unity of rugby league shone through." Rhodri Jones, the commercial managing director of the Rugby League (RL) and interim chief executive of the Rugby Football League (RFL), 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 – those epic running challenges in support of his great friend Rob Burrow and the MND community – continue to inspire us all.
As a competition, we are delighted he is now bringing the ball to centre stage at Old Trafford, ready for the biggest 80 minutes of the season when the Betfred Super League champions are crowned." The upcoming seven‑day ultra‑marathon will not only showcase Sinfield’s physical resilience but also serve as a platform for six charitable organisations that will benefit from the fundraising effort. The beneficiaries include the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland, and the Irish MND Association. Each of these groups works to improve the lives of those affected by motor neurone disease, providing research funding, patient support, and public education.
Supporters can contribute directly via the dedicated fundraising page, which remains open for donations throughout the week-long challenge. In addition to the marathon, the Super League play‑offs will be underway, offering further opportunities for fans to engage with the sport. The schedule is as follows: - Friday 18 September: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards, kickoff 8 pm on Sky Sports - Saturday 19 September: Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, kickoff 5:30 pm on Sky Sports - Semi‑Final 1 – Friday 25 September: Leeds Rhinos vs TBD, kickoff 8 pm on Sky Sports - Semi‑Final 2 – Saturday 26 September: Wigan Warriors vs TBD, kickoff 5:30 pm on Sky Sports These fixtures lead directly into the Grand Final, which will be contested at Old Trafford on 3 October. Sinfield’s presence on the pitch, bearing the match ball, will be a poignant reminder of the sport’s close‑knit community and its capacity to rally around a cause.
Beyond the ceremonial duties, Sinfield’s final ultra‑marathon will test his endurance in a way few athletes have experienced. Covering a distance that far exceeds a standard marathon each day, he will need to navigate varying weather conditions, manage recovery, and maintain nutrition across seven consecutive days. His commitment underscores a broader message: the fight against MND requires sustained effort, perseverance, and collective support.
As the countdown to the Grand Final continues, the rugby league world watches with anticipation. Fans, former players, and officials alike are united in admiration for Sinfield’s selfless dedication.
Whether cheering from the stands at Old Trafford or following the daily progress of his run online, the community is reminded of the powerful intersection between sport, charity, and personal resolve. The final night promises not only a thrilling contest for the championship but also a celebration of the enduring spirit that Sir Kevin Sinfield embodies, a spirit that will undoubtedly inspire future generations both on and off the field.