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 present the ball at Old Trafford on 3 October during the live Sky Sports broadcast. The former Leeds Rhinos and England captain is once again gearing up for an arduous ultra‑marathon series, this time designed to raise further awareness and financial support for the motor neurone disease (MND) community across both the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Since launching his first annual run in 2020, Sinfield and his dedicated team have generated more than £11 million for MND charities.
This year’s itinerary is especially demanding: he will complete an ultra‑marathon each day for a full week, beginning at the home of world club champions Hull KR on Sunday 27 September. Over the next six days he will travel to the stadiums of all twelve English Super League clubs, culminating in a final run that ends at Old Trafford just ahead of the Grand Final on Saturday 3 October. The significance of this last leg cannot be overstated. Sinfield, who captained Leeds to seven Grand Final victories at the famed Theatre of Dreams, will hand over the match ball to the players who will contest the season’s most important game.
For him, the gesture is a heartfelt tribute to his long‑time friend and former teammate Rob Burrow, whose battle with MND has inspired Sinfield’s charitable endeavors. Old Trafford holds particular resonance because it was the venue where Burrow scored what many consider the greatest Grand Final try in 2011 against St Helens.
Sinfield described the moment as “the perfect way to bring it back home to the rugby league community.” In an interview with Sky Sports, Sinfield explained the personal meaning behind the run: “It’s nice to bring it back home to the rugby league community. This is where it all started for Rob. To visit the venues where he terrified opponents is especially special, and finishing at Old Trafford feels like the right ending.” He went on to praise Burrow’s historic try, calling it “the greatest Super League try, the greatest Grand Final try ever,” and reflected on the support the sport has shown over the past six years.
“We were at Old Trafford for the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022, and the atmosphere was incredible even though England weren’t in the final. The love for Rob, the love for the MND community, will shine through, and I’m proud of how rugby league has rallied together.” Rhodri Jones, the commercial managing director of Rugby League and interim chief executive of the RFL, echoed these sentiments, stating: “Sir Kevin is one of the most iconic names in Super League history. He is synonymous with Grand Final night, and his epic running challenges in support of Rob Burrow and the MND community inspire us all. As a competition, we are delighted he is now bringing the ball to centre stage at Old Trafford for the biggest 80 minutes of the season, when the Betfred Super League champions are crowned.” Jones added that the entire sport wishes Sinfield and his support crew the best for what promises to be “yet another arduous and challenging seven days.” The fundraising effort will benefit six charities: 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 dedicated fundraising page linked in the original announcement. The Super League playoffs kick off on Friday 18 September with Wakefield Trinity versus Leigh Leopards at 8 pm on Sky Sports, followed by Warrington Wolves versus Hull KR on Saturday 19 September at 5:30 pm.
Semi‑Final 1 is scheduled for Friday 25 September (Leeds Rhinos versus a to‑be‑confirmed opponent) at 8 pm, and Semi‑Final 2 for Saturday 26 September (Wigan Warriors versus a to‑be‑confirmed opponent) at 5:30 pm, both broadcast live on Sky Sports. The playoff series will culminate in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October, where Sinfield will hand the ball to the players, symbolising both the culmination of a remarkable season and the ongoing fight against MND. Beyond the match‑day spectacle, Sinfield’s run serves a broader purpose: it raises public consciousness about MND, encourages donations, and showcases the solidarity within the rugby league community. Each daily ultra‑marathon covers a significant distance, testing physical endurance while simultaneously drawing media attention to the cause.
Fans across the UK and Ireland have been urged to follow his progress on social media, share updates, and contribute to the fundraising targets. In summary, Sir Kevin Sinfield’s seventh and final ultra‑marathon challenge is more than a personal athletic feat; it is a moving tribute to a beloved teammate, a powerful fundraising campaign for vital MND charities, and a symbolic bridge between the sport’s storied past and its hopeful future.
The climax at Old Trafford, with the presentation of the Grand Final match ball, will cap off a week of relentless effort, community spirit, and unwavering dedication to a cause that has touched the hearts of rugby league supporters worldwide.