‘The world has lost a great man’ – Kevin Sinfield pays emotional tribute to Rob Burrow

Standing side-by-side with Burrow marked a continuation of his career for Sinfield, with the pair teaming up for so many special Leeds Rhinos moments, not least seven Grand Finals, before Burrow won an eighth without his partner in crime.

He may have been without Sinfield for Grand Final number eight, but he had him there during his toughest test, his fight against MND, for which Sinfield went above and beyond to help raise funds and boost of awareness.

For Sinfield, he was simply running for a partner. For the general public, he took the message to the masses and in doing so raised millions. For Burrow, he was undoubtedly a source of strength and vice versa.

Following confirmation from Leeds Rhinos that Rob Burrow has sadly passed away, they have now shared the words of Kevin Sinfield as he reflects on the death of his ‘little friend’.

What Kevin Sinfield had to say about Rob Burrow

Credit: Imago Images

Kevin Sinfield has spoken so many times about Rob Burrow during his battle with MND. Only last month, Sinfield spoke about running the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon last year, in which he pushed Burrow for 26.2 miles.

Speaking about it, he said: “Having the experience of having just over four hours with Rob pushing him was something I’ll never forget. Every moment I spend with him is special and that is not lost on me.”

Following yesterday’s news that Burrow had sadly passed away, Sinfield reflected on the wonderful bond the two had shared.

Leeds Rhinos posted their statement on their social media where they said: “Today was the day we hoped would never come. The world has lost a great man and a wonderful friend to many.

“You fought so bravely to the end and became a beacon of hope and inspiration, not only to the MND community, but to all who saw and heard your story.

“My love and thoughts go out to your beautiful family, Lindsey, Macy, Maya and Jackson, to your loving parents Geoff and Irene, sisters Joanne and Claire and your family and friends.

“You will continue to inspire me every day. I have lost a dear friend and I will never forget the special moments we shared both on and off the field.

“I would always say that you were pound for pound the toughest player I ever played alongside, however since your diagnosis you have been the toughest and bravest man I have ever met.

“For the past four and a half years you have shown the world what it looks like to live and love and it has always been done with the biggest smile on your face.

“I will miss you my little friend. All my love, Kev X”

For information on how to donate to help build the Rob Burrow Center for MND, click here.