Wigan Warriors' unique shirt salute to Rob Burrow

The Rhinos legend revealed before Christmas he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

And the Warriors are to show their support by playing in unique shirts. Each player has been asked to describe Burrow in one word, which will be stitched onto the shirt – with Burrow’s name – and then auctioned off after the match to raise money for him.

Wigan’s executive director Kris Radlinski said: “So many people have raised so much money for Rob and I know that he and his family are hugely appreciative of all the donations that people have made so far, but we wanted to do something that showed Rob just what he means to people – an intrinsic gesture that makes Rob feel amazing.

“I hope that not just Wigan Warriors fans but Rugby League fans in general bid for these special jerseys. My word would be ‘champion’.”

Burrow’s diminutive stature – and blistering acceleration – made him a fans’ favourite during a glittering career which included eight Super League titles with Leeds.

“It’s important that he understands that this Leeds Rhinos cult hero was adored by every Super League player, coach, administrator and fan, regardless of club loyalties,” said Radlinski.

“I will never forget when the Sky Sports notification came on my phone that said ‘Leeds legend Rob Burrow had been diagnosed with MND’. My heart sank and my stomach churned.

“I think it rocked us all.

“I remember the Man of Steel dinner in 2017. Every year Super League pays tribute on the night to players who were retiring that season. It was their way of saying thank you and it’s a great idea. On this particular occasion, Rob was treated just like everybody else.

“I don’t mean this to be disrespectful to any of the other Super League players who took part on that night but Rob is not like anybody else – he deserved to be ‘chair-lifted’ onto that stage with a highlights package of his own.

“Later that night, I text Gary Hetherington, the Leeds CEO, and said that I was disappointed with the send off that Rob got. This diminutive, skilful, courageous, explosive rugby league player and a quality bloke, showed us all that anything is possible. I enjoy watching his highlight package, even the one when he ran around me!”

Sunday’s match will be the first competitive fixture between the two outfits this year.

But they did meet in a pre-season friendly which served as Liam Farrell’s testimonial. He held a collection at the game to aid Burrow – someone he holds in the highest esteem.

“He’s probably been the most unique player to play the game – there haven’t been many like him,” said Farrell.

“Late last year, I was compiling a ‘dream team’ of my toughest opponents and he was in there – there’s been no-one like him.

“If you’d ask me to pick one to tackle, a 120kg prop or Rob Burrow, I’d take the prop every day of the week.

“He is the hardest opponent to play against, when you’re on the back foot and you’re tired, he’s the last player you want running at you!

“And what he’s done since his diagnosis, he could have gone into his shell, but he’s spoken about it and I think the way he’s handled it has been pretty inspirational, really.”