Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield played at Old Trafford eight times during his career winning seven times making the home of Manchester United a place of huge significance in his life as he lifted the Super League trophy seven times at Old Trafford.
However, he can add another memory to that list after finishing his seven ultramarathon in seven days during the Rugby League World Cup Final as he sought again to raise money and awareness in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease in the name of good friend Rob Burrow who was diagnosed in 2019.
He entered the field at halftime to a huge ovation and he said it was “as good as any Grand Final.”
“It was lovely,” Sinfield said, “As good as any Grand Final. To walk out there with Heather Small singing, to know that all the crowd was behind us was really special.
“It was really important that the team got to experience it, we had some Manchester United fans with us for them it was a pretty surreal moment to be on that field.
“It will be with us forever, and to be part of such a wonderful occasion for our sport, it has been a wonderful World Cup, to be there was really special.”
He also spoke about the moment after this when he received a handshake from rugby league legend and former St Helens player Mal Meninga, coach of the eventually victorious Australia side:
“I’ve met him a few times, he is a good fella and for him to spare some time to shake my hand and wish me all the best during a World Cup Final, I’m not sure in many other sports or many other head coaches would come and do that.
“It was a nice moment, he was just saying ‘well done’ it was more the look in his eyes, he knew what we were doing and why we were doing.”
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