Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to take on his seventh and final ball‑bearing assignment ahead of the Super League Grand Final, a role that will see him hand over the iconic match ball at Old Trafford on 3 October, with the ceremony broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain is about to embark on what is being billed as his most demanding running challenge yet, a week‑long ultra‑marathon that aims to raise further awareness and financial support for the motor neurone disease (MND) community across both the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Since launching his first annual run in 2020, Sinfield and his dedicated team have raised more than £11 million for MND charities. This year’s endeavour will see him complete an ultra‑marathon each day for seven consecutive days, beginning at the home of 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 significance of this final run is deeply personal for Sinfield. He has previously guided Leeds to seven Grand Final triumphs at the so‑called "Theatre of Dreams," and now he will be the one to present the match ball to the current generation of gladiators who will battle for the title. "It feels right to bring the ball back to the rugby league community where it all began for Rob," Sinfield told Sky Sports, referring to his close friend and former teammate Rob Burrow, whose own battle with MND inspired the charitable runs.
Old Trafford holds a special place in both men’s histories. It was the venue where Burrow scored what many consider the greatest Grand Final try ever – a dazzling effort against St Helens in 2011 – and it also hosted the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022, an event that drew massive support even though England were not competing. "To finish at Old Trafford is incredibly fitting," Sinfield said. "Rob’s try there was, in my opinion, the pinnacle of Super League Grand Final moments.
He won eight Grand Finals, and his legacy lives on every time we step onto that pitch." Sinfield’s excitement is palpable. He highlighted the enthusiasm of fans at the venues he will visit over the next week, noting that the support he has received over the past six years has been "awesome." He added that the love for Burrow, the solidarity with the MND community, and the unity of the rugby league family will be on full display during the Grand Final night. "I am incredibly proud of how the sport has rallied together to look after its own," he said, emphasizing that the night will be "really special" for everyone involved. Rhodri Jones, the commercial managing director of the Rugby League and interim chief executive of the RFL, praised Sinfield’s contributions, calling him "one of the most iconic names in Super League history." Jones noted that Sinfield’s name is practically synonymous with Grand Final evenings, and his series of epic running challenges in support of Rob Burrow and the MND cause have become a source of inspiration across the sport.
"We are delighted that Sir Kevin will now bring 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," Jones said. He also wished Sinfield and his support crew the best for what promises to be another grueling seven‑day stretch.
The fundraising effort this year will benefit six charities: the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland and the Irish MND Association. Supporters can contribute via the dedicated fundraising page, which remains open for donations throughout the challenge. In addition to the run, the Super League play‑offs will be underway, beginning on Friday 18 September with Wakefield Trinity versus Leigh Leopards (kick‑off 8 pm, Sky Sports), followed by Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on Saturday 19 September (kick‑off 5:30 pm, Sky Sports). The semi‑finals are scheduled for Friday 25 September (Leeds Rhinos versus a TBD opponent, 8 pm) and Saturday 26 September (Wigan Warriors versus a TBD opponent, 5:30 pm), both broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The season will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, where Sinfield will hand the ball to the players who will fight for the championship in front of a global audience. Overall, Sir Kevin Sinfield’s final ball‑carrying mission intertwines personal tribute, charitable ambition, and the ceremonial heart of rugby league.
By traversing the heartland of the sport, visiting each club’s home ground, and ending at the historic Old Trafford, he not only honours Rob Burrow’s legacy but also shines a spotlight on the ongoing fight against MND. The combination of his athletic endurance, heartfelt dedication, and the collective support of fans and clubs underscores the powerful role sport can play in driving social change and fostering community spirit.