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 3 October, a ceremony that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain is once again using his remarkable endurance feats to shine a spotlight on motor neurone disease (MND) and to raise vital funds for charities across 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 the MND community.
This year, the plan is even more ambitious: an ultra‑marathon will be completed each day for a full week, covering the home grounds of all twelve English Super League clubs before culminating at the iconic Old Trafford stadium. The journey begins on Sunday, 27 September at Hull KR’s home, the reigning world‑club champions, and proceeds through each venue, ending with the Grand Final on Saturday, 3 October. For Sinfield, the final leg of this marathon holds deep personal significance. He will be handing the ball to the players who will contest the championship at the very arena where his close friend Rob Burrow achieved some of his most memorable moments.
Burrow’s legendary try in the 2011 Grand Final against St Helens, widely regarded as one of the greatest ever scored in a Super League final, took place on the hallowed turf of Old Trafford – often referred to as the "Theatre of Dreams." Sinfield sees this as a fitting tribute, saying, "It feels right to bring the ball back to the rugby league community, to the place where Rob began his journey and where he produced some of his finest moments." In an interview with Sky Sports, Sinfield explained the emotional weight of the undertaking: "Visiting venues where Rob terrorised opponents is incredibly special, and finishing at Old Trafford makes it all the more meaningful. Rob scored, in my opinion, the greatest Grand Final try ever. He won eight Grand Finals, and to be part of this celebration feels like coming full circle." He also reflected on the broader support the sport has shown for the MND cause.
"We were at Old Trafford for the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022, and the atmosphere that night was electric, even though England weren’t playing. The love for Rob, the support for the MND community, and the solidarity of rugby league fans shone through.
I’m proud of how the game continues to rally around its own," he added. Rhodri Jones, the commercial managing director of 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 relentless running challenges in support of Rob Burrow and the MND community inspire us all. As a competition, we are delighted that he 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." The fundraising effort this year will benefit six charitable organisations: 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 linked by the campaign. The Super League play‑offs kick off on Friday, 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity taking on Leigh Leopards at 8 p.m.
on Sky Sports. The following day sees Warrington Wolves host Hull KR at 5:30 p.m.
The semi‑finals are scheduled for 25 September (Leeds Rhinos versus a to‑be‑determined opponent) and 26 September (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 3 October, where Sinfield will hand the match ball to the competing teams, marking the end of his seven‑day ultra‑marathon and the conclusion of a fundraising campaign that has already made a profound impact on the MND community. Sinfield’s final run not only underscores his personal dedication to his friend Rob Burrow but also highlights the rugby league community’s collective commitment to supporting those living with motor neurone disease.
As the calendar counts down to the Grand Final, fans, players, and charities alike look forward to a night that promises both sporting excellence and a powerful reminder of the sport’s capacity for compassion and unity.