Leigh Leopards can confirm the arrangements the club will make to honour the memory of Rob Burrow CBE at the Betfred Super League Round 15 game at AMT Headingley Stadium next Friday, 21 June against Leeds Rhinos.
Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont said: “I have always enjoyed my visits to Headingley Stadium. It’s a great venue, hosting a big, successful club with a great atmosphere created by a large and passionate following.
“I particularly like their opening fans’ song “Marching on Together”. There is just something about it that gets you set for the action. It harbours some fond memories, both of disappointment and more so of success.
“Losing to a late try in the quarter-final of the Challenge Cup as a Championship team brought disappointment. Yet despite losing again, spraying champagne around the dressing room as we finished joint top of the Middle 8s in 2016 to gain a place in Super League brought huge success at the time.
“As we prepare to attend Headingley on Friday in an extremely important Betfred Super League round I personally do so again with anticipation of disappointment and more so of success.
“I say this as I am, along with everyone connected with Rugby League, hugely saddened to see the end of a life of such a truly magnificent rugby player that became known to us all as far, far more than that.
“A superhuman being, epitomising courage, selflessness, hope and aspirations for all.
“As he boldly stated, in a life full of adversity we can dare to dream.
“What Rob Burrow CBE did in the adversity of MND has created so many dreams for so many people that have, or in the future will have, a life with MND.
“I was privileged to have been able to have contributed in a small way to the mammoth funds and awareness he created, for not just MND but the will to succeed and enjoy life at whatever quality was available, always with a smile on your face.
“It is for that reason that I view the visit to Headingley with anticipation of success. Not the success of playing a game of rugby, but for the success of the man, the legend that will never be forgotten, the success in what he achieved in his short time on earth that creates a bigger and brighter future for so many.
“Friday is about Rob, his family, his friends, his colleagues, his club Leeds Rhinos and everything he achieved and will continue to achieve.
“It is with great pride that our team will don specially made #7 Rob Burrow shirts for our warmup. The thought of any team in any sport represented by every individual possessing what Rob did makes the hairs stand up on my neck. Nothing could beat that.
“I am sure Headingley Stadium will be bursting at the turnstiles with everyone wanting to attend the first game to pay respects to Rob at his home ground.
“I would urge our fantastic supporters to attend in massive numbers to show our support by filling the visitors’ end of the stadium.
“They can then take part in crowd surfing the 150 square-metre flag that we have had made throughout the minute’s silence and during minute 7 of the game to show our club’s respect and love of a man to whom in the end words cannot do justice.”
