Rob Burrow recognised with huge honour

Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow defied the odds on the field and continues to do so off the field.

Burrow was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in December 2019 and has done everything imaginable to raise awareness of the underfunded illness.

This began with a return to the field alongside the rest of the golden generation in January 2020 before establishing the Rob Burrow MND Centre.

So much has been raised by Burrow and his wife Lindsey as well as his good friend and former teammate Kevin Sinfield.

This has led to a number of very deserved awards throughout the years especially recently.

Burrow, Sinfield and his family were recognised at the Pride of Britain Awards recently as well as Burrow’s family winning the Spirit of Super League Award at the Man of Steel Awarrds.

Sinfield OBE, another former winner of the award in 2021 for his unstinting friendship and loyalty to his former Leeds Rhinos and England team-mate, said:

“We talk about the Rugby League family, in reference to the sport’s ability to come together to support those in need. There has never been a better example of that than the Burrow family.

“Their response to the shattering news of Rob’s diagnosis in 2019 has inspired the nation – it has certainly inspired me. They have shown such courage and dignity, led by Lindsey, whose support for Rob has been awe-inspiring, and with the wonderful personalities of the three children shining through.

“I suspect the happiest person about this award will be Rob himself.”

The Glen’s Spirit of Super League Award was introduced in 2019 to recognise those who epitomise the values of the sport by going beyond their expected professional commitments with a strong emphasis on sportsmanship and community.

On top of this, Burrow and BBC Breakfast were recognised with an award by the Royal Television Society’s Yorkshire Centre. This was for the documentary: Rob Burrow: Living With MND.

Burrow is an eight time Super League Champion with the Rhinos becoming Super League’s most successful one club man.

He also won three League Leaders’ Shields, two Challenge Cups and three World Club Challenges scoring at Wembley and Old Trafford.