Zach Eckersley dedicates his try in Wigan’s Challenge Cup final success against Warrington to Rob Burrow

• Zach Eckersley dedicated his Wigan Challenge Cup Final try to Rob Burrow
• Leeds icon Burrow has died aged 41 after a four-and-a-half-year battle with MND.

Rob Burrow’s remarkable legacy inspired Wigan rookie Zach Eckersley to realize a childhood dream in Saturday’s Challenge Cup final win over Warrington.

As fans flocked to Wembley to pay tribute to Burrow following his death last Sunday, local center Eckersley dedicated his try in the 18-8 triumph to the late Leeds Rhinos legend.

Burrow died aged 41 after a four-and-a-half-year battle with motor neurone disease, and Eckersley revealed he was inspired by the playmaker’s brilliant career.

Eckersley came to the same Waterhead amateur club in Oldham as Kevin Sinfield, who has been a close supporter of Burrow and has raised millions of pounds for MND charities.

After scoring on just his fifth appearance, the 20-year-old said: “It was about Rob Burrow, Kev’s best mate, so it was testament to Rob. He was a great player and it was great to do this for his family.

“I’m a Saddleworth boy and Kev is the biggest name in the area. I went to school with Jack’s boy so we played in school teams together.

“I haven’t spoken to Sinfields much since then but I know they rooted me as a local boy. Oldham is like Wigan, a working-class town where everyone likes to work hard and play rugby.

“There’s a lot of talent and idols to look up to — Paul Sculthorpe, Kevin Sinfield and Barrie McDermott.

Eckersley only played because Adam Keighran was suspended.

The Warriors now own all four major trophies, and Eckersley added, “I knew when the game started I was going to come into my own. It was a great experience, I loved every moment.’