We have felt truly blessed to witness the beautiful and deeply touching relationship between former Leeds Rhinos teammates Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow and their remarkable journey together as motor neurone disease champions.
Although Rob is sadly no longer able to walk or talk as a result of his condition, one that affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK, for the past few years Oldham lad Kevin Sinfield has completed numerous incredible feats of endurance in aid of MND research and it’s been so special to watch.
Whether it’s smashing out seven ultra-marathons in a week or running for 24 hours non-stop, he’s achieved so many astonishing things on his behalf and on Sunday, 14 May, the amazing Manc brought best mate Burrow along for his latest effort, where everyone was running in his name.
2023 saw the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, the first the city has seen for 20 years, where Kevin pushed Rob around for 26.2 miles alongside other former Leeds Rhinos. The moment they crossed the finish line was emotional, to say the least.
Kevin Sinfield emotionally carried his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow over the finish line at the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, having pushed his friend around the 26.2 miles in his wheelchair ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yqSIakPgYr
Kevin Sinfield carries Rob Burrow across the finish line.
We defy you to watch that without welling up.
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As you can see, our very own Kevin Sinfield thought it only fitting to lift Rob Burrow out of his specially designed wheelchair and carry him across the finish line of his own marathon. Absolute legend.
He literally helped him complete the marathon by giving him a kiss and a cuddle. If that doesn’t sum up how special their friendship is then we don’t know what does.
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More than 12,500 runners took part — nearly 5,000 more than was initially intended as so many simply wanted to come out and run in Rob’s honour — with 40% never even having run a marathon before, including his wife Lindsey who said, “the reason I am doing it will get me to the finish line”.
As for Sinfield, speaking after it was all said and done, the 42-year-old thanked everyone who turned up and helped “create something so incredible in Rob’s name”. It’s clear that their connection is one that has resonated with millions across the UK.
Prior to setting off, the Rhinos legend turned coach went on to say, “It doesn’t matter how long it takes. The longer it takes, the more time I get to spend with him… Today is a celebration of friendship”.
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All told, Sinfield has now raised over £8 million for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and other related charities, running countless miles in the process, so giving his best mate and inspiration a hug on the way over the finish line looked easy in comparison. A simply astounding man.
You can donate to the MNDA and do your bit to help people like Rob HERE.
Kyle Walker announces retirement from international football with England at 35
Danny Jones
Former Manchester City star and England defender has announced his retirement from international football at 35 years old.
He calls it a day for his country with nearly a century of appearances.
Kyle Walker, who has won six Premier Leagues, four Carabao trophies, a pair of FA Cups and a Champions League title with Man City, made his national team debut back in 2011.
Now, nearly a full decade and a half later, he is hanging up his boots on the biggest stage, retiring as England’s most capped right back in history.
As you can see, he confirmed the news in a highlight video looking back on her best moments with the Three Lions.
Sharing a lengthy and emotional statement in the caption, the Yorkshireman wrote: “After more than a decade representing my country, I have decided to retire from international football. Playing for England has always been the biggest honour of my career and something I will always be proud of.
“Thank you to every teammate, coach, manager, the 12th man, and everyone behind the scenes who has been part of the journey. Every roar from the fans pushed the team along, and I’m looking forward to joining them to support the lads in the World Cup.”
His last appearance in an England shirt came in June against Senegal, since dropping out of manager Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice team and future plans, with both form and age no doubt being factored into that decision.
Walker added: “The memories in an England shirt will stay with me forever.”
96 caps 🧢 Five major tournaments 🏴 A #ThreeLions legend ⭐
He went on to sign off by saying, “I also want to thank my family for their support every step of the way. They have made this journey even more special, and I will always be grateful to have shared it with them.”
The Sheffield-born fullback left Manchester last year following a loan spell at AC Milan, before joining fellow Premier League side Burnley FC permanently this past July.
Meanwhile, the Clarets are staring down relegation back to the Championship; however, this step will no doubt help Walker prolong his club career, whether or not he stays in Lancashire.
Where does Walker rank among the all-time England defenders in your mind?
Featured Images — Oleg Bkhambri (via Wikimedia Commons)/England (screenshot via YouTube)
Sport
Wigan Warriors’ Bevan French out for around four months with major muscle injury
Danny Jones
Wigan Warriors player Bevan French has unfortunately been ruled out for roughly four months following a fairly serious muscle injury.
An important playmaker and cog in the wider team, his absence will surely be felt.
French, 30, is said to have suffered a hamstring tear during the win over Toulouse Olympique this past weekend, and while not as severe as a full rupture, Bevan has now been told by the club he will be sidelined for approximately 16 weeks, according to head coach Matt Peet.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after learning the news, he provided a number of updates from the physio room, including the latest on Jai Field, who French had been filling in for at fullback.
While Wigan are currently leading the Super League once again, they will be without one of their key Warriors with just under a dozen games left in the season.
The Greater Manchester club’s quadruple-winning boss and former Coach of the Year admitted that, despite some obvious disappointments in the immediate aftermath, his “positive” and “philosophical” attitude has already kicked in.
He’s quite philosophical, Bevan. He quickly flips a switch.
“Now he knows the timeframe and the schedule for his recovery, like most professionals, he can get his head down now and focus on the present”, said the 41-year-old.
The Australian stand-off/fly-half has regularly run the show in red and white, and even amid periods out of the squad, he remains an understandable fan favourite and integral part of the team when fit.
You only need to hear pundits and peers alike describing him as a “special” talent to know how much of a big miss he’ll be.
As mentioned, Peet also shed more light on Field, who dropped out with appendicitis last week and is himself set for around four to five weeks away.
For now, youngster Noah Hodkinson is being given the chance to fill the void and work his way into the first team after regularly impressing in the reserves.
Nevertheless, they could have really done with him ahead of their upcoming games.
Domestically, all three of Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves and St Helens aren’t far behind them in the table, so it could prove to be a tasty remainder of the 2026 campaign.
You can watch the highlights from the result against Toulouse on Saturday, 7 March, here.
Danny Jones -
14th May 2023 
