Kevin Sinfield pays tribute to ‘beautiful human’ Rob Burrow

Ahead of Leeds Rhinos’ Super League clash with Catalans Dragons, club legend Kevin Sinfield has paid a touching tribute to best mate Rob Burrow.

Leeds were celebrating their Reunion Round for the fixture with the club legends of 2004 and 2014 honoured before the game, including the likes of Jamie Peacock, Sky Sports pundit Barrie McDermott and of course, Kevin Sinfield.

After taking part in those celebrations, Kevin Sinfield joined Sky Sports pitchside where he was set to be asked about the celebration, however, he took the time to give a touching tribute to Rob Burrow and thank the broadcasters for their own tribute and celebration of his teammates’ life.

“Can I just start firstly, because I haven’t seen you for some time, but can I start by thanking you all. The coverage and the support for the MND Community has been brilliant and what you did for Rob was lovely and classy and it made me very proud of our sport, so thank you.”

Sinfield was then reminded of his pre-recorded speech that was part of the wonderful tribute to Burrow when Leeds took on Leigh on June 21st, just less than three weeks after Burrow passed away following his battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

Kevin Sinfield honours Rob Burrow

In response to Brian Carney’s reminder of that special night and the reunion taking place, Sinfield explained: “Well, we all miss him, especially on occasions like tonight when the group get back together. I know we’re not all here because there are guys who are in different jobs now and scattered all around the world.”

He also explained why the reunion was so special, noting: “There were only seven of us here tonight but it’s pretty poignant that it’s that number seven again so we all miss Rob daily but it’s important we get together and we celebrate the past, but certainly celebrate people like Rob because he was a beautiful human being and had a massive massive impact both whilst he was playing and since.”

During Rob Burrow’s four-and-a-half-year battle with MND, Kevin Sinfield was alongside him from the start and helped raise millions of pounds with his most recent venture coming when he completed the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.

Asked on future endeavours, Sinfield confirmed that he will continue: “I love the community, the fulfilment, the support we have had, it’s been incredible. I feel like I owe it to Rob, he’s got a wonderful legacy in place, but to Lindsay and the kids and mum and dad, and to the Leeds Rhinos fans, and rugby league fans all over the world.”

You can see his touching words in the attached post below.

“I’ll continue to support the MND community as I owe it to Rob, Lindsay the kids and his family”

Leeds Rhinos royalty, Kevin Sinfield spoke to us about Rob Burrow, MND, his son as he makes his way in the game with Leeds Rhinos and much more.#SkySportsRL pic.twitter.com/AiSHh6jM76

— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) August 23, 2024