Rob Burrow: Leeds Rhinos honour 'little warrior' with tributes and 18-10 victory against Leigh Leopards

"In a challenging world, it's important to have big dreams," and that's exactly what Rob Burrow CBE did during his impressive career. As Leeds Rhinos prepared to face Leigh Leopards, Burrow's childhood club and Sky Sports honored the "little warrior" who made a huge impact.

During Global MND Awareness day, Headingley Stadium was filled with intense emotions as loved ones, supporters, and fans gathered to honor Leeds' top no. 7 player. He managed to raise millions for the disease he bravely fought against since being diagnosed in 2019.

Jamie Jones-Buchanan from Sky Sports' Rugby League talked about how Burrow's family and close friends paid tribute to him in a very personal and intimate way. Burrow's wife Lindsey, his parents Irene and Geoff, and around 80 of his former teammates, some even traveling from Australia and New Zealand, all came together to honor his memory.

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A moving performance of Nessun Dorma played while fireworks lit up the sky and the crowd cheered, marking the commemoration of Burrow's life on the field. The Rhinos players sported a unique jersey created by Cath Muir, a woman who was also diagnosed with MND in 2014.

Tribute videos were also shared by celebrities from various sports and areas, with the first one being from Burrow's friend and fellow MND advocate Kevin Sinfield CBE. Another message came from Alan Shearer, who stated that Rob Burrow will always be remembered in the world of sports.

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The events leading up to the MND Awareness game were filled with strong emotions and aimed to raise essential funds. Six individuals are diagnosed with motor neurone disease each day, and six individuals succumb to the disease daily. With no cure available, the funds collected through the game are aiming to make a difference.

The Rhinos secured a crucial 18-10 win, with Brodie Croft celebrating by pointing to the sky and Geoff Burrow cheering. The night of June 21, 2024 will be remembered for honoring a legend in rugby league.

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Headingley's Celebration Of Burrow: His Way

A special evening honoring a sports legend called for appropriate comments and a reflection on beloved memories. It began with Jones-Buchanan and Barrie McDermott looking back on their time with Burrow, and ended with the classic song "My Way" by Frank Sinatra filling Headingley Stadium as Burrow's impressive career moments were displayed. Fireworks lit up the sky and Burrow's family watched from the field, creating a memorable and heartfelt atmosphere.

Alan Shearer: His courage was truly impressive

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I want to join everyone at Headingley tonight in honoring the incredible Rob Burrow. He was a talented rugby league player who captured the nation's heart with his inspiring attitude towards living with MND.

The term "inspirational" is commonly used, but it truly applied to Rob.

His courage, his determination to raise awareness for MND, and his unwavering resilience in the face of the dreadful disease was truly remarkable.

We can learn a lot from Rob's life. He showed bravery both in his personal life and during his time playing sports. I had the privilege of spending time with him last year in Leeds. The impact he made in the rugby league and sports community will always be remembered.

Geoff Burrow: We are going to do everything we can to make our son feel proud.

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"Thank you so much. It's a very sentimental evening, particularly because the Leeds versus Leigh match was the first home game I took Rob to. He thoroughly enjoyed every moment. He always followed Leigh closely, including their results. I'm pleased to see them performing strongly in the Super League."

He had a great sense of humor. He would often talk about various teams, and I wish he could see this large gathering.

"He had a playful attitude, but he was a kind and wonderful young man who I deeply miss."

He discovered that while I was working, I used to pull some pranks. As a result, he received slight consequences from me, but nothing more.

I really wish he could have been there to witness the opening of the Rob Burrow Centre. However, I know he will still be able to experience it, as we are determined to make him proud through the children and Lindsey. Thank you once again to everyone who has generously donated funds for this cause.

MVP Brodie Croft: This night will always stick with me.

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Honestly, I've been trying to keep my feelings to myself all day.

I am very happy that we were able to achieve the outcome for Rob, his loved ones, and all the people in attendance.

Describing it is difficult. These past two weeks have been filled with intense emotions. Meeting Rob's parents and then seeing them in the stands today was truly emotional.

I attempted to suppress my feelings and avoid dwelling on them.

This day will be etched in my memory forever. I am thrilled with the outcome we achieved.

Temporarily leading coach Chev Walker: That win was dedicated to our young friend

I am speechless. This is for our little buddy.

The manner in which he has persevered through every obstacle. I encouraged them to go out and compete with the same determination as Rob, and they succeeded in doing so.

They showed courage and took action, that's exactly the kind of performance we expect from Rob.

I believe he will truly appreciate the guys going above and beyond for the club he cherished.

"He will feel joy. I am extremely proud, this past week has been challenging."

Match Outcome: What Happened?

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Throughout the entire 80 minutes, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric as Leeds played with passion and dedication, demonstrating both heart and a strong work ethic.

The night's energy was heightened by Leeds' head coach Rohan Smith resigning just two days prior. This left the team with a desire to show they could recover and turn around what has been a challenging season.

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Croft was the standout player in the first half, scoring a goal up close, breaking away for an impressive 80-metre run, and Rhyse Martin adding to the score with a penalty kick, putting the Rhinos ahead 12-0 at half-time.

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Matt Frawley increased their lead even more by scoring a try after receiving some excellent passes on the right side. He wore the number 7 jersey just like the legendary player they were honoring that night.

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Leigh Leopards made a comeback with Matt Moylan and Edwin Ipape scoring, reducing the score to 18-10 and putting pressure on the home team. However, the Rhinos held strong in defense and earned the victory for their friend and his family, who were there to honor his remarkable life.

If you want to contribute to the MND Association, you can make a donation at www.mndassociation.org/skysports or through Sky Sports' online and social media channels.