LEEDS Rhinos legend Rob Burrow has thanked the hundreds of well wishers who have sent him messages of support in recent weeks and wished his former club and Salford Red Devils all the best for the Coral Challenge Cup Final at Wembley next Saturday, 17 October.

Burrow, a Challenge Cup winner with Leeds in 2014 and 2015, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in December 2019. Fans on social media have spoken about the possibility of Burrow either leading the Rhinos out or presenting the trophy to the winning captain.

However, Covid restrictions at Wembley have meant that there will be no one presenting the trophy to ensure social distancing.

For a number of weeks, the RFL and Leeds Rhinos have been speaking with Burrow about his involvement as part of the Challenge Cup Final Day however Burrow has said he will be enjoying the action from home on Saturday afternoon live on BBC One.

Burrow commented: “I would like to thank the club and the RFL for all the support they have offered me and the kind invitation to be part of the Challenge Cup Final. However, I’ve decided to stay and watch the game at home, like millions of other Rugby League fans around the country, with my family. I would like to wish both teams the best of luck for a special day.”

Leeds Rhinos Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield commented, “Having spoken with Rob and his wife Lindsey, I know It has been overwhelming to see the support Rob and his family have had from the general public in recent weeks especially with everything else that is going on in people’s lives.

“I know from having played alongside him, that playing in the Challenge Cup Final and running out at Wembley was one of the biggest highlights of his career and he hopes everyone saviours the moment despite the fact that fans can not be there. Rob is anticipating a fantastic Final and looking forward sitting down with his kids to enjoy it.”