Rob Burrow mural to be unveiled today at Old Trafford

The piece will be unveiled today as part of the Super League Grand Final

Leeds Rhino's Rob Burrows and Widens Vikings Hep Cahill during the Super League match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds.
Author: Erin WilsonPublished 14th Oct 2023

A huge mural of rugby legend Rob Burrow will be unveiled at Old Trafford as part of the Super League Grand Final today.

The mural features Burrow and his friend Kevin Sinfield, who together have raised ÂŁ13 million for motor neurone disease along Burrow's family.

The Pride of Britain Award-winner’s family will be on the pitch for the unveiling of the work, which is called 'Brothers In Arms' and was designed by Jimmy Thwaite as part of a competition by the train operator, Northern.

Northern is an official partner of the Super League and has sponsored the Community Stand at the event at Old Trafford today.

Mark Powles, commercial and customer director at Northern, said: “Many of the designs submitted as part of the competition featured Rob and I think everyone agrees that he exemplifies the spirit of the game and the positive connection between its teams.”

Commenting on his artwork, Jimmy Thwaite said: "I called it 'Brothers In Arms' because what Kevin Sinfield has done for Rob Burrow is everything that is good about rugby league.

"For me, rugby league is about community and brings together work ethic, charity, places and people. We're not the biggest, but we can be the best."

Jimmy Thwaite’s design was one of eight shortlisted as part of the competition, with runners-up taking home a number of other prizes including signed rugby shirts, rugby balls and weekend train tickets.

Rob Burrows was diagnosed with motor neurone disease back in 2019, aged 40.

Since then, Burrow and Sinfield have completed all manner of charity challenges to raise money, including completing the Leeds Marathon earlier this year.

Kevin Sinfield pushed his former teammate for 26.2 miles in a specially adapted wheelchair before carrying him over the finish line.

The Super League Grand Final between Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons at Old Trafford will kick off from 6pm today.

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