Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow granted huge honour

Kevin Sinfield has had a very busy week but he’s just received an honour from the city where he made his name alongside teammate Rob Burrow, with both granted freedom of the City.

Sinfield has campaigned over the last couple of years and fundraised millions for Motor Neurone Disease research, the disease that is afflicting former teammate and best mate Burrow.

Burrow announced his diagnosis three years ago in December 2019 and has since helped raise huge awareness including applying pressure on the government to produce £50 million of funding for MND research.

As recognition of the pairs amazing work, and also their brilliant playing career, the Leeds City Council have granted them this honour of ‘Freedom of the City’.

“Kevin and Rob thoroughly deserve this accolade, the highest civic award the city can bestow on anyone."

Congratulations to Kevin Sinfield OBE and @Rob7Burrow who have been chosen by Leeds City Council to receive the freedom of Leeds. 👏

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) December 20, 2022

The awards will be presented to the pair in a ceremony at Leeds Civic Hall on January 11, with their names soon to be added to an engraved ‘roll of honour’ that can be found in the building’s banqueting suite.

Whilst the pair already feature on many honours list this one is a little bit different and has names such as Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and many other sporting heroes on it.

But the important thing to recognise is that Sinfield and Burrow aren’t just receiving it for their brilliant on field displays during which they made a combined 921 appearances and won seven Grand Finals together, with Burrow adding an eighth in 2017, but for the amazing work off the field.

Burrow has drawn attention in the millions to MND whilst Sinfield has helped raise money in the millions to battle it.

A truly inspirational pair deserving of such an award.