Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to take charge of the Super League Grand Final match ball in what will be his seventh and final fundraising challenge, a symbolic act that will see him hand the ball over at the historic venue where many of his greatest achievements took place. The ceremony is scheduled for the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, with the event broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos captain and ex‑England skipper is gearing up for his latest grueling endurance feat, a venture 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 inaugural annual run in 2020, Sinfield and his dedicated team have generated more than £11 million for MND charities, and this year’s ultra‑marathon will push those figures even higher. The format of the challenge is both simple and demanding: Sinfield will complete an ultra‑marathon each day for a full week. He will begin his journey at the home ground of the world club champions Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday, 27 September, and then travel to the stadiums of all twelve English Super League clubs. The final leg of the tour will culminate at Old Trafford, the iconic "Theatre of Dreams," just ahead of the Grand Final on Saturday, 3 October.
For Sinfield, the act of presenting the match ball carries deep personal significance. He guided Leeds to seven Grand Final victories at Old Trafford, and now he will hand the ball to the current generation of players who will battle for the title.
The gesture also serves as a heartfelt tribute to his close friend Rob Burrow, whose own career is intertwined with many of the venues on Sinfield’s route. Burrow famously scored what many consider the greatest Grand Final try in 2011 against St Helens, a moment that forever linked his name with Old Trafford.
Sinfield says the final stop is "particularly fitting" because it brings the story full circle. "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. "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." Sinfield also reflected on the broader support the sport has shown for the MND cause.
He recalled the massive turnout at Old Trafford for the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022, noting that the crowd’s enthusiasm remained high even though England were not playing. "We were all hoping and expecting, so it doesn't matter which teams are in the final," he said.
"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." 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." This year’s fundraising effort will benefit six charitable organisations: the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name 5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland, and the Irish MND Association.
Supporters can donate through the dedicated fundraising page linked from the campaign’s website. The Super League play‑offs, which will feature the fundraising run as a backdrop, kick off on Friday, 18 September, 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, 25 September, when Leeds Rhinos face a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent, and Semi‑Final 2 follows on Saturday, 26 September, with Wigan Warriors against another TBC side. All matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, leading up to the climactic Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October.
Sinfield’s week‑long ultra‑marathon not only showcases his personal dedication but also highlights the rugby league community’s commitment to supporting those affected by MND. By traversing the heartlands of the sport, visiting each club’s home ground, and culminating at the most revered stadium in English rugby league, Sinfield weaves together a narrative of perseverance, friendship, and collective goodwill. The match ball he will present at the Grand Final will symbolize not just the start of a championship contest, but also the culmination of years of charitable effort, the enduring bond between teammates, and the unifying power of sport to rally around a vital cause.