Leeds Rhinos legends to return to pitch for Rob Burrow fundraising match

The match will be a rare treat for Rhinos fans to see an impressive line-up of big-name players come out of retirement to return to the pitch for Rob, after his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis.

Among those signed up to take part in the match, on March 29 at Sports Park Weetwood, are Kevin Sinfield, Keith Senior, Richard Mathers, Barrie McDermott, Chev Walker and Adrian Morley.

Pitting their wits against this team of titans will be the Weetwood Rhinos - a new community-based side of novice or ex-amateur 'masters' players aged 35 and over, in what will be their first ever match.

The team was set up last year, through the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and is coached by ex-Rhino Brett Delaney.

All are huge rugby league fans so are getting the unique opportunity to take on their idols and some of the greatest names in the sport over the last 20 years.

The fundraising exhibition match will be the curtain-raiser to the Leeds Rhinos Women's 2020 season opener against Bradford Bulls Women, which kicks off at 1pm.

Leeds Rhinos' director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said: “We saw back in January in the testimonial game for Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Rob Burrow how special it was to be back on the field with our old team mates and when the invitation came to have a bit of a run about, the lads were keen to team up again, especially to help raise funds to support Rob Burrow and his young family.

"It will be a great day up at Weetwood with the Rhinos Women kicking off their season with a massive clash against Bradford Bulls and I would urge all Rhinos fans to get along and support the event.”

Weetwood Rhinos scrum half David Goulding, 42, went to his first Rhinos game at the age of six and said March 29 will be a day he will remember for a long time.

He said: "I'm excited by it, we all are. We're looking forward to it. Everyone that's playing for us are all Rhinos fans, so it's a challenge for them and something they will remember for a while.

"There's a fun element to it but there's that competitive edge as well.

"It's a great event. It's a great cause, to raise awareness of MND and everything that Rob is going through at this moment in time. It's a good fundraiser.

"I think a lot of Leeds Rhinos fans will love to see some of the ex-players that have retired back out on the pitch again, just in a slightly different format."

He added: "For us it's good to go up against some ex-pros. It will set us up nicely for the season ahead - we've got quite a few games lined up already."

Tickets cannot be bought in advance but there will be a minimum cash donation on the gates of £5 for adults and concessions, juniors aged 16 and under are free.

All donations will go the Rob Burrow Fund.

The Leeds Rhinos legend in December that he had been diagnosed with the rare and incurable brain and nerve condition Motor Neurone Dsease.

A Virgin Money Giving appeal fund was set up at www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/robburrow to support Rob in his treatment and help his wife and three young children, all under the age of eight, in the years ahead.