Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to carry the Super League Grand Final match ball for the seventh and last time in a ceremony that will take place at Old Trafford on 3 October, broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain is about to embark on what will likely be his most demanding running venture yet, a week‑long 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 amassed more than £11 million for MND charities. This year’s effort will see him run an ultra‑marathon each day for seven consecutive days, starting at the home of the world‑club champions Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday, 27 September.
He will then travel to the stadiums of all twelve English Super League clubs, culminating in a final run to Old Trafford ahead of the Grand Final on Saturday, 3 October. The significance of this particular duty goes far beyond the simple handing over of a ball. Sinfield, who guided Leeds to seven Grand Final triumphs at the iconic "Theatre of Dreams," will now hand the match ball to the current generation of players as they prepare to battle for the championship. For him, the final run is a heartfelt return "home" to the rugby league community that has supported his charitable endeavours for years, and an opportunity to visit venues that were central to the career of his close friend Rob Burrow.
Old Trafford holds special meaning for both men. It was the stage where Burrow scored what many consider the greatest Grand Final try in 2011 against St Helens, a moment that still resonates with fans. "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 terrorised opponents is particularly special, and finishing at Old Trafford feels like the perfect ending." Sinfield praised Burrow’s legacy, calling his 2011 try "the greatest Super League try, the greatest Grand Final try ever" and noting that Burrow won eight Grand Finals in his illustrious career. He reflected on the massive support the sport showed during the Rugby League World Cup final at Old Trafford in 2022, even though England were not playing. "The love for Rob, the support for the MND community, and the unity of rugby league will shine through on that night," he said, adding that he was proud of how the sport continues to look after its own. Rhodri Jones, managing director of RL Commercial and interim chief executive of the Rugby Football League, echoed these sentiments.
"Sir Kevin is one of the most iconic names in Super League history. He is synonymous with Grand Final night, and his remarkable running challenges in support of his great friend Rob Burrow and the MND community inspire us all," Jones remarked. He welcomed the idea of Sinfield delivering the ball to the centre of the stage at Old Trafford, where the Betfred Super League champions will be crowned after an intense 80‑minute showdown.
The challenge will also support six charities: the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland, and the Irish MND Association. A dedicated fundraising page has been set up for supporters to contribute to the cause. The Super League play‑offs kick off on Friday, 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity taking on Leigh Leopards at 8 pm on Sky Sports. The following day sees Warrington Wolves face Hull KR at 5:30 pm.
Semi‑Final 1 is scheduled for Friday, 25 September, with Leeds Rhinos against a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent at 8 pm, and Semi‑Final 2 follows on Saturday, 26 September, with Wigan Warriors hosting an opponent at 5:30 pm. The play‑offs will run consecutively until the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, providing a thrilling climax to the season.
Sinfield’s seven‑day ultra‑marathon will not only test his physical limits but also serve as a moving tribute to Rob Burrow and a powerful statement of solidarity for those living with MND. As he prepares to run from Hull KR’s stadium to the hallowed turf of Old Trafford, the rugby league world watches with admiration, ready to rally behind his cause and celebrate the culmination of a season that promises to be unforgettable.