Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to take on his seventh and final ball‑carrying assignment for the Super League Grand Final, a role that will see him hand over the iconic match ball at Old Trafford on 3 October, live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain is also gearing up for what will likely be the most demanding leg of his charitable running campaign, a series of ultra‑marathons designed to raise awareness and funds for the motor neurone disease (MND) community across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Since launching his first annual challenge in 2020, Sinfield and his support team have amassed more than £11 million for MND charities. This year’s effort will see him complete an ultra‑marathon each day for seven consecutive days, beginning at the home of the world‑club champions Hull KR on Sunday, 27 September.
From there he will travel to each of the twelve English Super League clubs, finishing his trek at Old Trafford just ahead of 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 famed Theatre of Dreams, will now present the match ball to the modern‑day gladiators who will battle for the title.
He describes the occasion as a chance to bring everything "back home" to the rugby league family and to visit venues that were pivotal in the career of his close friend, former Leeds star Rob Burrow. Old Trafford holds a special place in that narrative. It was the stage where Burrow scored what many consider the greatest Grand Final try in 2011, a moment that still resonates with fans. "I think it's nice to bring it back home to the rugby league community.
This is where it all started for Rob," Sinfield told Sky Sports. He added, "To visit some venues where he terrorised opponents is particularly special and to finish at Old Trafford is great.
Rob scored, in my opinion, the greatest Super League try, greatest Grand Final try ever. He won eight Grand Finals." Sinfield also reflected on the broader support the sport has shown. "We were here (Old Trafford) for the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022 and the support we got that night was immense, even though England weren’t in the final.
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, 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, 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 challenge supports six charities: the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland and the Irish MND Association.
Each will benefit from the funds raised through donations made via the official fundraising page. The Super League play‑offs kick off on Friday, 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards 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 scheduled for Friday, 25 September (Leeds Rhinos versus a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent) and Saturday, 26 September (Wigan Warriors versus a TBD side), both broadcast live on Sky Sports. The season will culminate with the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, where the match ball that Sir Kevin will have carried across the country will be presented to the two teams competing for the championship.
Sinfield’s marathon itinerary not only highlights the geographical spread of the Super League but also underscores the deep connection between sport and charitable activism. By traversing each club’s home ground, he is able to engage local fan bases, raise the profile of MND research, and remind the rugby league community of the enduring legacy of players like Rob Burrow, whose battle with motor neurone disease has inspired a wave of solidarity across the sport. The logistical challenge of completing an ultra‑marathon each day is formidable. An ultra‑marathon typically exceeds the standard 42.195‑kilometre marathon distance, often ranging from 50 to 100 kilometres or more.
Maintaining such a level of physical exertion for a full week demands meticulous planning, rigorous training, and a strong support network to manage nutrition, medical care and recovery. Sinfield’s previous challenges have shown his determination; in 2020 he completed a 100‑kilometre run, and subsequent years saw him increase both distance and intensity, culminating in a 150‑kilometre trek in 2022.
Beyond the physical feat, the campaign serves as a platform to educate the public about MND, a progressive neurological condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control. By linking each leg of his run to a specific club, Sinfield creates touchpoints for fans to learn about the disease, donate, and share stories of those affected. The inclusion of charities from both the UK and Ireland reflects the cross‑border nature of the cause and the sport’s commitment to inclusivity.
As the Grand Final approaches, the anticipation builds not only for the on‑field drama but also for the symbolic moment when Sir Kevin will hand the ball to the captains. That act will encapsulate a journey that began with a single run in 2020 and has grown into a nationwide movement, uniting players, supporters, and charitable organisations under a common banner of hope and resilience. Supporters can contribute directly via the fundraising page, and each donation helps fund vital research, patient support services, and awareness campaigns. The collective effort of fans, clubs, and sponsors demonstrates how sport can leverage its platform for social good, turning a high‑stakes championship into an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of those living with MND.