Sir Kevin Sinfield is set to take charge of the Super League Grand Final match ball for what will be his seventh and final challenge, a symbolic gesture that will see him hand over the ball at the iconic Old Trafford venue on 3 October, with the ceremony broadcast live on Sky Sports. The former Leeds Rhinos captain and England international is once again gearing up for a demanding ultra‑marathon series, this time aimed at heightening awareness and raising vital funds for the motor neurone disease (MND) community across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Since embarking on his inaugural annual challenge in 2020, Sinfield and his team have generated more than £11 million for MND charities. This year’s effort will see him complete a separate ultra‑marathon each day for a full week, covering a total of twelve English Super League stadiums before culminating at Old Trafford.
The journey begins at Hull KR’s home ground on Sunday, 27 September, and proceeds through the venues of the remaining Super League clubs, with the final leg arriving at the Theatre of Dreams ahead of the Grand Final on Saturday, 3 October. For a player who guided Leeds to seven Grand Final triumphs at Old Trafford, the chance to present the match ball is deeply meaningful. It offers a full‑circle moment, linking his own storied career with the ongoing fight against MND—a cause close to his heart after the diagnosis of his lifelong friend and former teammate Rob Burrow. "It feels right to bring the ball back to the rugby league community where it all began for Rob," Sinfield told Sky Sports.
"Visiting the grounds where he terrorised opposition, and finishing at Old Trafford where he scored perhaps the greatest Grand Final try in 2011 against St Helens, makes this a fitting finale for our journey." Sinfield highlighted the emotional resonance of Old Trafford, recalling the atmosphere of the 2022 Rugby League World Cup final held at the same stadium. "Even though England weren’t in that final, the support from the crowd was massive. It shows that the love for Rob, for the MND community, and for rugby league itself shines through regardless of which teams are playing," he said. Rhodri Jones, commercial managing director of the Rugby League and interim chief executive of the RFL, praised Sinfield’s contribution: "Sir Kevin is one of the most iconic figures in Super League history.
His running challenges in support of Rob Burrow and the MND community have inspired countless fans and players alike. We are delighted that he will now bring the ball onto the centre stage at Old Trafford for the biggest 80‑minute showdown of the season, when the Betfred Super League champions are crowned." The seven‑day ultra‑marathon will not only serve as a tribute to Burrow’s legacy but also as a fundraising platform for 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 contribute via the dedicated fundraising page linked to the challenge. The Super League play‑offs kick off on Friday, 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity taking on 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 25 and 26 September, featuring Leeds Rhinos and a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent on the first night, and Wigan Warriors against an opponent on the second night. All matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, leading up to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October. Sinfield’s final run is more than a personal athletic feat; it is a rallying call for the rugby league community to unite behind a common cause. He expressed his pride in the sport’s solidarity: "I am incredibly proud of how rugby league has come together again to look after its own.
This night will be special, not just for the sport but for the MND community that we all support." As the countdown to the Grand Final continues, fans can follow Sinfield’s progress across the country, cheer him on during each daily ultra‑marathon, and contribute to the charities that stand to benefit from his relentless dedication. The combination of sport, charity, and personal tribute makes this week-long journey a landmark event in the Super League calendar, promising to leave a lasting impact both on and off the field.