Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to take charge of the Super League Grand Final match ball for the seventh and final time in a series of high‑profile duties that will culminate at Old Trafford on 3 October, with the ceremony broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain is once again gearing up for a demanding ultra‑marathon run, a personal quest that aims 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 support team have amassed more than £11 million for charities supporting those affected by MND. This year’s effort will see him complete an ultra‑marathon each day for seven consecutive days, starting at the home ground of the world‑club champions Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday, 27 September.
From there he will travel to the stadiums of all twelve English Super League clubs, finishing the trek at Old Trafford just ahead of the Grand Final on Saturday, 3 October. The significance of this final leg goes beyond the physical feat.
Sinfield, who captained Leeds to seven Grand Final victories at the iconic Theatre of Dreams, will hand over the match ball to the players who will battle for the title that night. For him, the gesture is a deeply personal tribute to his late teammate Rob Burrow, whose own battle with MND sparked the original challenge. Old Trafford holds particular resonance because it was the venue where Burrow scored what many regard as the greatest Grand Final try in 2011, a moment that cemented his legacy in rugby league folklore.
"It feels right to bring the ball back to the rugby league community, to the place where Rob's story began," Sinfield told Sky Sports. "Visiting the grounds where he terrified opponents is incredibly special, and ending at Old Trafford feels like a perfect full circle.
Rob scored, in my view, the most spectacular try the Grand Final has ever seen. He helped us win eight Grand Finals, and I’m proud to honour him in this way." Sinfield also reflected on the broader support the sport has shown over recent years. He recalled the massive turnout at Old Trafford for the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022, noting that even though England were not in the match, the crowd’s enthusiasm was overwhelming.
"The love for Rob, the support for the MND community, and the unity of rugby league fans will shine through on Grand Final night," he added. "I’m incredibly proud of how the game has rallied around its own, and I know it will be a night to remember." Rhodri Jones, managing director of RL Commercial and interim chief executive of the Rugby Football League, praised Sinfield’s contributions: "Sir Kevin is one of the most iconic figures 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 have inspired us all. As a competition, we are delighted that he will now bring the ball to the centre of the stage at Old Trafford for the biggest 80‑minute showdown of the season, when the Betfred Super League champions are crowned." The upcoming challenge will support six charities: the MND Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name 5 Doddie Foundation, Darby Rimmer Foundation, MND Scotland, and the Irish MND Association.
Each organisation will receive a share of the proceeds generated through donations on Sinfield’s fundraising page, which remains open for contributions from supporters worldwide. In addition to the marathon, the Super League play‑offs will be in full swing.
The schedule begins with Wakefield Trinity versus Leigh Leopards on Friday, 18 September at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports, followed by Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on Saturday, 19 September at 5:30 p.m. The first semi‑final pits Leeds Rhinos against a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent on Friday, 25 September at 8 p.m., while the second semi‑final features Wigan Warriors against another TBD side on Saturday, 26 September at 5:30 p.m., both broadcast live on Sky Sports. Sinfield’s seven‑day ultra‑marathon will not only test his physical limits but also serve as a moving tribute to Rob Burrow’s enduring legacy and the resilience of the MND community.
By traversing each Super League venue, he will reconnect with fans, players, and officials who have supported his cause over the past six years. The journey culminates at Old Trafford, a stadium steeped in rugby league history and personal meaning for both Sinfield and Burrow. The final night promises a spectacular showcase of skill, determination, and community spirit. As the players line up for the Grand Final, the match ball—handed over by Sir Kevin—will symbolize the collective effort of a sport that has rallied around a common cause.
The event will be a testament to the power of sport to unite people, raise awareness for vital health issues, and celebrate the achievements of those who have given so much to the game. Supporters are encouraged to visit the fundraising page to make a donation, watch the live coverage on Sky Sports, and share their messages of encouragement for Sinfield, the charities, and the players who will compete for the coveted Super League trophy.
The night at Old Trafford is poised to be a memorable climax to a season defined by perseverance, community, and the unbreakable bond between rugby league and its fans.