Family of late rugby league great Burrow say 'his strength is keeping us going'

English Woman's Journal - Family of late rugby league great Burrow say 'his strength is keeping us going'

SPORTS 03.06.2024

Family of late rugby league great Burrow say 'his strength is keeping us going' / Photo: GREG WOOD - AFP/File

The family of late rugby league great Rob Burrow said "his strength is keeping us going" as they attended an emotional groundbreaking ceremony on Monday for the motor neurone disease (MND) centre bearing his name, a day after his death.

Change text size:

The former Leeds Rhinos, England and Great Britain star died at the age of 41 on Sunday, more than four years after being diagnosed with the incurable degenerative disease.

Prince William and former teammate Kevin Sinfield led the tributes to the diminutive scrum-half, who won eight Super League Grand Finals and three World Club Challenges during a stellar career.

Well-wishers gathered outside Headingley Stadium in Leeds on Monday to pay their respects, laying flowers, scarves and other tributes.

The groundbreaking of the Rob Burrow Centre for MND at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds went ahead as planned at Burrow's request, with his family saying he "would be looking down and smiling".

Close friend Sinfield, who alongside Burrow raised millions of pounds for MND charities, attended the ceremony, along with Burrow's parents Geoff and Irene Burrow, and his sisters.

Geoff Burrow wiped away a tear as a minute's silence was held in his son's memory, before being one of six people to put the first spades in the ground on the site.

Irene Burrow said: "This is what Rob would want and I think he'd be proud that we all pulled ourselves together and got the strength to come, and we're doing it for Lindsey (Burrow's wife) and the kids.

"He'll be looking down on us and he'll be going 'thumbs up'. We're so proud to be here and it's amazing what you can achieve."

Geoff Burrow said the family would carry on with his son's work and spoke of his hope that a cure for the disease would be found.

"I wish we'd have got it before he passed, but we will get it, for him and all the poor families suffering with MND," he said.

S.Smith--EWJ

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.