Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to assume the honour of presenting the Super League Grand Final match ball for the seventh and last time, a role that will see him deliver the iconic sphere at the historic Old Trafford venue on 3 October, with the ceremony broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain is also gearing up for what will be his most demanding running challenge yet, a seven‑day ultra‑marathon 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 charitable run in 2020, Sinfield and his dedicated team have amassed more than £11 million for MND charities. This year’s effort will see him cover an ultra‑marathon distance each day for a full week, beginning at the home of world club champions Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday, 27 September.
From there he will travel to each of the twelve English Super League clubs, stopping at their respective stadiums, before culminating his journey at Old Trafford ahead of the Grand Final on Saturday, 3 October. The symbolism of this final run is profound.
Sinfield, who captained Leeds to seven Grand Final triumphs at the so‑called "Theatre of Dreams," will hand over the match ball to the current generation of players as they prepare to battle for the championship. For him, the tour is a heartfelt return "home" to the rugby league community that has supported his charitable endeavours for years, and an opportunity to revisit venues where his close friend Rob Burrow once dazzled opponents. Old Trafford holds particular resonance because it was the stage where Burrow scored what many consider the greatest Grand Final try in history—a spectacular effort against St Helens in 2011. "It feels right to bring the ball back to the rugby league family," Sinfield told Sky Sports.
"Rob’s try at Old Trafford is, in my view, the finest Grand Final try ever. He won eight Grand Finals and his legacy lives on in every corner of the sport." Sinfield expressed his excitement about revisiting familiar grounds, noting the overwhelming support he has received over the past six years. He recalled the electric atmosphere when rugby league was staged at Old Trafford for the 2022 Rugby League World Cup final, despite England not featuring in the match.
"The love for Rob, the support for the MND community, and the passion of the rugby league fans will shine through on Grand Final night," he said. "I am incredibly proud of how the sport has rallied around its own, and I know it will be a truly special evening." Rhodri Jones, the commercial managing director of the Rugby League and interim chief executive of the RFL, praised Sinfield’s contributions, stating, "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 his dear friend Rob Burrow and the MND community have inspired us all. As a competition, we are delighted that he will now bring the ball to centre stage at Old Trafford for the biggest 80 minutes of the season, when the Betfred Super League champions are crowned.
The whole sport wishes Sir Kevin and his team the very best for what promises to be another arduous seven‑day journey." This year’s challenge will 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 directly to these organisations.
The Super League play‑offs kick off on Friday, 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leigh Leopards at 8 pm on Sky Sports, followed by Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on Saturday, 19 September at 5:30 pm. The semi‑finals are scheduled for Friday, 25 September (Leeds Rhinos versus a TBC opponent at 8 pm) and Saturday, 26 September (Wigan Warriors versus a TBC opponent at 5:30 pm), all broadcast live on Sky Sports. The season will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, where Sinfield will hand the ball to the players who will contest the final 80 minutes for the title. Beyond the sporting spectacle, Sinfield’s marathon route will also serve as a moving tribute to Rob Burrow’s indomitable spirit.
Burrow, a former Leeds legend, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, prompting an outpouring of support from fans, clubs, and fellow players. Sinfield’s daily ultra‑marathon runs, covering roughly the distance of a full marathon each day, are intended not only to raise funds but also to keep the conversation about MND in the public eye, encouraging early diagnosis and research funding. Each stop on the seven‑day journey will feature local events, community gatherings, and opportunities for fans to meet Sinfield, learn about the cause, and donate.
The itinerary includes stops at iconic venues such as Headingley (Leeds Rhinos), the Halliwell Jones Stadium (Warrington Wolves), and the Totally Wicked Stadium (Leeds), among others. By weaving the challenge through the heart of the Super League’s geography, Sinfield aims to unite the entire rugby league family in a shared mission. In addition to the monetary goal, Sinfield hopes the challenge will inspire other athletes and public figures to use their platforms for charitable work.
"Running these distances day after day shows what dedication can achieve," he said. "If we can bring even a fraction of that energy to the fight against MND, we will have made a real difference." Supporters can follow the daily progress via Sinfield’s official website and social media channels, where updates, photos, and live streams will be posted. The fundraising page remains open for donations, and every contribution, big or small, will go directly to the six partner charities. As the Grand Final approaches, anticipation builds not only for the on‑field drama but also for the symbolic moment when Sir Kevin Sinfield, after a week of relentless running, will step onto the hallowed turf of Old Trafford and hand the match ball to the players who will fight for the ultimate prize.
It will be a night that celebrates sporting excellence, community solidarity, and the enduring legacy of a friendship that has turned personal tragedy into a nationwide campaign for hope and cure.