Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to take on his seventh and final ball‑carrying mission ahead of the Super League Grand Final, a role that will see him hand over the iconic match ball at Old Trafford on October 3, broadcast live on Sky Sports. This symbolic act comes at the culmination of a grueling week‑long ultra‑marathon that Sinfield has organised to raise awareness and funds for the motor neurone disease (MND) community across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
The former Leeds Rhinos captain and England international has become synonymous with charitable endurance challenges since he first embarked on a fundraising run in 2020. Over the past three years his efforts, carried out alongside a dedicated team of volunteers, have generated more than £11 million for MND charities.
This year’s itinerary is particularly ambitious: Sinfield will complete a separate ultra‑marathon each day for seven consecutive days, beginning at the Hull Kingston Rovers home ground on Sunday, September 27, and then travelling to each of the twelve English Super League clubs’ stadiums. The final leg will bring him to the historic Theatre of Dreams, where he will hand the ball to the players just before they contest the season‑ending showdown. For Sinfield, the journey is as much about personal tribute as it is about fundraising. He is honouring his long‑time friend and former teammate Rob Burrow, who retired in 2019 after a distinguished career that included eight Grand Final victories.
Burrow’s battle with MND has been a powerful catalyst for Sinfield’s charitable work. The choice of Old Trafford as the finishing point carries extra emotional weight because it was at that venue that Burrow scored what many consider the greatest Grand Final try in 2011, a moment that has become part of rugby league folklore.
"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, emphasizing the personal significance of the venue.
Sinfield’s comments highlighted several themes that resonate with fans and players alike. He spoke of the privilege of revisiting stadiums where Burrow once terrorised opponents, noting that the support he has received over the past six years has been "awesome". He recalled the atmosphere at Old Trafford during the 2022 Rugby League World Cup final, where, despite England not featuring, the crowd’s enthusiasm was overwhelming.
"We were all hoping and expecting, so it doesn’t matter which teams are in the final," he said, underscoring the universal love for the sport and for the cause. The former captain also praised the collective spirit of the rugby league community, saying, "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." His words capture the blend of athletic celebration and charitable purpose that defines the event. Rhodri Jones, the commercial managing director of the Rugby League (RL) and interim chief executive of the Rugby Football League (RFL), added his endorsement, calling Sir Kevin "one of the most iconic names in Super League history". Jones noted that Sinfield’s marathon challenges have become a hallmark of Grand Final week, inspiring fans and players alike.
"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," Jones said, highlighting the ceremonial importance of the ball presentation. The fundraising campaign this year supports six charities: the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland, and the Irish MND Association. Each organization will benefit from the donations generated through Sinfield’s run, as well as from contributions made via the official fundraising page, which remains open for supporters. The Super League play‑offs, which will run parallel to Sinfield’s marathon, kick off on Friday, September 18, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards at 8 p.m.
on Sky Sports. The following day sees Warrington Wolves take on Hull KR at 5:30 p.m. Semi‑Final 1 is scheduled for Friday, September 25, when Leeds Rhinos face a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent, and Semi‑Final 2 follows on Saturday, September 26, with Wigan Warriors playing another TBD side. All matches will be broadcast live, building momentum toward the Grand Final on October 3 at Old Trafford.
In summary, Sir Kevin Sinfield’s final ultra‑marathon and his role as match‑ball presenter represent a convergence of sport, tribute, and philanthropy. By traversing the heartlands of English rugby league and culminating at the iconic venue where Rob Burrow once dazzled, Sinfield not only honours his friend’s legacy but also shines a spotlight on the ongoing fight against MND. The event promises to be a memorable finale to a season of high‑stakes rugby and a powerful reminder of the community’s capacity to rally around a cause.