Warrington Wolves Coach Pays Tribute to Rugby League Icon Rob Burrow Ahead of Challenge Cup Final
Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess has expressed his desire to celebrate the life and legacy of Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow at this Saturday’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. Burrow, who passed away on Sunday after a courageous four-and-a-half-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease, is fondly remembered for his iconic moments on the rugby league pitch, including two Challenge Cup victories.
Burgess, who also lost his own father to MND in 2007, spoke candidly about the devastating impact of the disease, stating, “We all know the end result with Motor Neurone Disease. It doesn’t really discriminate. It’s really aggressive. We know as a family first-hand exactly what it’s like.“
The Warrington boss called for a sellout crowd at Wembley to celebrate Burrow’s remarkable life and achievements, both on and off the field. “Hopefully we can sell the place out and really celebrate the life of Rob Burrow,” Burgess told BBC Sport. “If you could pin down a week in the calendar – it’s fitting that it’s on the big stage at Wembley. All [his] achievements, not just on the field but off the field, hopefully we can celebrate them in style with a smile on the face and remember him for what a special character he was.“
The RFL has confirmed that a minute’s silence will be held before the Challenge Cup Final, followed by a round of applause in the seventh minute – a nod to Burrow’s iconic shirt number, which has been central to many of the incredible fundraising efforts led by his former teammate, Kevin Sinfield.
As the rugby league community mourns the loss of a true icon, Burgess and the Warrington Wolves team are determined to honor Burrow’s memory with a fitting tribute at one of the sport’s most prestigious events.
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