Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to take charge of the Super League Grand Final match ball for the seventh and last time in a special ceremony that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from Old Trafford on 3 October. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain is about to embark on what will be his most demanding running challenge yet, a venture designed to raise further awareness and financial support for the motor neurone disease (MND) community throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Since launching his first annual run in 2020, Sinfield and his dedicated team have amassed more than £11 million for MND charities. This year’s effort will see him complete an ultra‑marathon each day for a full week, covering a different venue every 24 hours.
The journey begins at the home of the world‑club champions Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday 27 September, after which he will travel to the stadiums of all twelve English Super League clubs, culminating at Old Trafford on Saturday 3 October just before the Grand Final. The symbolism of the final leg is profound.
Sinfield, who helped Leeds claim seven Grand Final titles at the iconic Theatre of Dreams, will hand the match ball to the players who will contest the championship that night. For him, the run is a way of bringing the story "back home" to the rugby league family and revisiting venues that hold special meaning for his close friend Rob Burrow, the former Leeds legend who was diagnosed with MND in 2019. Old Trafford carries particular emotional weight because it was the stage where Burrow produced what many consider the greatest Grand Final try in 2011, a dazzling effort against St Helens. "It feels right to bring the ball back to the rugby league community where it all began for Rob," Sinfield told Sky Sports.
"Visiting the grounds where he terrified opponents is especially meaningful, and finishing at Old Trafford feels like the perfect conclusion." Sinfield praised the support the sport has shown over the past six years. He recalled the massive turnout at the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022, which was held at Old Trafford even though England were not in the match.
"The love for Rob, the support for the MND community, and the solidarity of rugby league fans are evident every time we gather," he said. "I’m incredibly proud of how the game has rallied around its own, and I know this will be a night to remember." Rhodri Jones, commercial managing director of the Rugby League and interim chief executive of the RFL, echoed those sentiments: "Sir Kevin is one of the most iconic figures in Super League history. He is synonymous with Grand Final night, and his relentless running challenges in support of Rob Burrow and the MND cause inspire us all. As a competition, we are thrilled that he will now bring the ball to centre stage at Old Trafford for the biggest 80‑minute showdown of the season, when the Betfred Super League champions are crowned.
The entire rugby league community wishes Sir Kevin and his team the very best for what promises to be another grueling seven‑day ordeal." 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. A dedicated donation page has been set up for supporters to contribute directly to the cause. In addition to the marathon, the Super League play‑offs will be in full swing. The schedule includes: - 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 matches will lead up to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, where the culmination of Sinfield’s week‑long run will be marked by the presentation of the match ball.
The event promises to showcase not only the pinnacle of rugby league competition but also the sport’s unwavering commitment to charitable causes, particularly the fight against MND. By blending athletic excellence with heartfelt philanthropy, Sir Kevin Sinfield’s final challenge underscores the deep bond between the rugby league community and the individuals it supports, ensuring that the legacy of both the game and its champions endures for years to come.