Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess has stated his aim to celebrate Rob Burrow on Saturday at Wembley for the Challenge Cup Final, calling for a sellout crowd to celebrate Burrow’s life.
It was confirmed on late Sunday evening that Rob Burrow had succumbed to his four-and-a-half-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease, the Leeds Rhinos legend having been diagnosed back in December 2019.
One man who knows all too much about MND is Sam Burgess who sadly also saw his Dad pass away from the condition and the Warrington Wolves head coach has recalled his family’s own battle.
Speaking to BBC Sport at Challenge Cup media day, he said: “We all know the end result with Motor Neurone Disease.
“It doesn’t really discriminate. It’s really aggressive. We know as a family first-hand exactly what it’s like.
“We lost our father [to MND] in 2007. It’s a real pivotal time in your life when you’re managing that as a family.
“No doubt Lindsey and Rob’s beautiful three children are reflecting on that time for them as a family.”
It was revealed last night the final message from Rob Burrow, the BBC sharing footage of a prerecorded message from the 41-year-old in their documentary ‘There’s Only One Rob Burrow’.
In that message, he continued his inspirational message, stating: “In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream.”
Rob Burrow to be celebrated on Challenge Cup Final Day
Credit: Imago Images
Sam Burgess also spoke on what an honour it will be to play at Wembley, the home of many iconic Rob Burrow moments including two Challenge Cup victories, in the days after his passing.
Burgess called for the fans to help sell the venue out, hoping for three great matches to help honour Burrow.
“Hopefully we can sell the place out and really celebrate the life of Rob Burrow,” Burgess told BBC Sport.
“If you could pin down a week in the calendar – it’s fitting that it’s on the big stage at Wembley.
“All [his] achievements, not just on the field but off the field, hopefully we can celebrate them in style with a smile on the face and remember him for what a special character he was.
“Hopefully everyone puts on a great performance. There’s three great matches and [hopefully] we all do him justice.”
The RFL have confirmed that a minute’s silence will be held before the game before a round of applause in the seventh minute, the number seven being the shirt number of Rob Burrow and central to so many of the incredible fundraising efforts done by Kevin Sinfield.
