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 ceremony that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos captain and England international will hand over the ball at the iconic venue, a symbolic moment that ties together his illustrious playing career and his ongoing charitable work. Sinfield’s latest endeavour is not just a ceremonial duty; it is the culmination of an intense seven‑day ultra‑marathon 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 dedicated team have raised more than £11 million for MND charities.
This year’s effort will see him run an ultra‑marathon each day for a full week, starting at the home of world‑club champions Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday, September 27. From there, he will travel to the stadiums of all twelve English Super League clubs, finishing his odyssey at Old Trafford just ahead of the Grand Final on Saturday, October 3. The significance of the Grand Final ball is profound for Sinfield. He helped Leeds secure seven Grand Final victories at the Theatre of Dreams, and now he will hand the ball to the current generation of players who will battle for the trophy.
The act is especially poignant because it brings the story full circle, returning the ball to the rugby league community that has supported him throughout his charitable campaigns. It also serves as a tribute to his close friend Rob Burrow, whose own legacy is intertwined with Old Trafford.
Burrow’s legendary try in the 2011 Grand Final against St Helens – often hailed as the greatest Grand Final try ever – was scored at this very stadium, making Sinfield’s final stop a fitting homage. "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 that visiting the venues where Burrow once terrorised opponents holds a special emotional weight, and that concluding the run at Old Trafford feels "great" because of the historic try and the eight Grand Finals Burrow won.
Sinfield reflected on the broader support rugby league fans have shown to the MND cause. He recalled the massive turnout at Old Trafford for the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022, noting that the crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable 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," he said.
Sinfield expressed pride in the sport’s unity, emphasizing that rugby league continues to look after its own and that the upcoming Grand Final night will be "a really special night." 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, 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." The fundraising drive 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 donate via the official fundraising page, which remains open throughout the run. The Super League play‑offs kick off on Friday, September 18, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports.
The following day, Warrington Wolves face Hull KR at 5:30 p.m. The semi‑finals are scheduled for Friday, September 25 (Leeds Rhinos versus a to‑be‑determined opponent) and Saturday, September 26 (Wigan Warriors versus a to‑be‑determined opponent), both broadcast live on Sky Sports. The season will culminate with the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, where Sinfield will hand the ball to the competing teams, symbolising both the sport’s rich heritage and the ongoing fight against MND. In summary, Sir Kevin Sinfield’s seventh ultra‑marathon is more than a physical test; it is a heartfelt tribute to a dear friend, a rallying call for the rugby league community, and a powerful fundraising engine for MND charities.
By concluding his journey at Old Trafford and presenting the match ball, Sinfield bridges his past triumphs with future aspirations, underscoring the unity and compassion that define the sport. The upcoming Grand Final promises to be a night of high‑octane rugby, emotional resonance, and collective support for a cause that has touched the hearts of fans across the British Isles.