Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to carry the Super League Grand Final match ball for the seventh and final time in a remarkable series of events that will culminate at Old Trafford on October 3, with the ceremony broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos captain and England international, who has become synonymous with charitable endurance feats, is now gearing up for his latest ultra‑marathon, a grueling seven‑day run designed to raise both awareness and vital 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 itinerary is particularly ambitious: he will embark on a daily ultra‑marathon, each leg beginning at the home ground of a different Super League club.
The journey kicks off at Hull Kingston Rovers, the reigning world club champions, on Sunday, September 27. From there, he will traverse the stadiums of all twelve English Super League teams, covering a mixture of historic venues and modern arenas, before arriving at Old Trafford for the Grand Final on Saturday, October 3. The symbolism of this final run is profound.
Sinfield’s own playing career was defined by seven Grand Final triumphs with Leeds, many of which were contested at the iconic "Theatre of Dreams". By presenting the match ball at the same venue where his long‑time friend and former teammate Rob Burrow once dazzled crowds, Sinfield is bringing his charitable mission full circle, linking his on‑field legacy with his off‑field advocacy.
Rob Burrow, now living with MND, is widely celebrated for scoring what many consider the greatest Grand Final try in Super League history—a stunning effort against St Helens in 2011 at Old Trafford. For Sinfield, delivering the ball at that very stadium is a fitting tribute to Burrow’s indomitable spirit and a reminder of the deep bonds that unite the rugby league community.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Sinfield explained the personal significance of the final leg of his challenge: "I think it's nice to bring it back home to the rugby league community. This is where it all started for Rob. To visit some venues where he terrorised opponents is particularly special, and to finish at Old Trafford is great.
Rob scored, in my opinion, the greatest Super League try, greatest Grand Final try ever. He won eight Grand Finals. To get a chance to visit some places that I know very well, where the support has been awesome over the last six years, I am looking forward to it." He also reflected on the broader impact of the event, recalling the massive turnout for the Rugby League World Cup final at Old Trafford in 2022, despite England not featuring in the match. "We were all hoping and expecting, so it doesn't matter which teams are in the final.
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," he added. Rhodri Jones, the commercial managing director of the Rugby League and interim chief executive of the 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 remarkable endeavours, all those epic running challenges we have seen over the years in support of his great friend Rob Burrow and the MND community, remain an inspiration to us all. 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. The whole sport of rugby league wishes Sir Kevin and all his team the very best on what promises to be yet another arduous and challenging seven days." The fundraising effort will benefit six charities dedicated to MND research, patient support, and related medical initiatives: 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 official fundraising page, which remains open for donations throughout the week‑long run.
The Super League play‑offs, which provide the backdrop for Sinfield’s marathon, commence on Friday, September 18, with Wakefield Trinity facing Leigh Leopards at 8 pm on Sky Sports. The following day, Warrington Wolves take on Hull KR at 5:30 pm.
The semi‑finals are scheduled for Friday, September 25 (Leeds Rhinos versus a to‑be‑determined opponent at 8 pm) and Saturday, September 26 (Wigan Warriors versus a to‑be‑determined opponent at 5:30 pm), both broadcast live. The culmination of the season—the Grand Final—will be staged at Old Trafford on October 3, where Sinfield will hand over the ball to the players who will battle for the championship in front of a global audience. Beyond the spectacle, Sinfield’s challenge underscores the powerful role sport can play in mobilising communities for charitable causes.
By linking each match venue with a day of endurance, he not only raises substantial funds but also keeps the conversation about MND in the public eye, encouraging fans, clubs, and sponsors to engage with the cause. The cumulative effect of his efforts—both financial and inspirational—has already transformed countless lives and will continue to do so as the final leg approaches. In summary, Sir Kevin Sinfield’s seventh and final ultra‑marathon will see him traverse the heart of English rugby league, culminating in the presentation of the Grand Final match ball at Old Trafford.
The event celebrates his own storied career, honors Rob Burrow’s legacy, and drives vital support for MND charities across the UK and Ireland. Fans are invited to follow his progress, donate to the cause, and tune in to the play‑offs and Grand Final to witness the culmination of a season defined by both sporting excellence and compassionate activism.