Leeds Rhinos shirt signed by 2003 squad to be auctioned in support of Rob Burrow and Motor Neurone Disease Association

It bears the names of Rob Burrow, Danny McGuire, Richard Mathers and others who would go on to win the Grand Final the following year and usher in a great era for the club.

Steve thought it would be something special to leave to a new generation of rugby league fans, especially with two of his five grandchildren now playing the sport themselves at school.

But when the 71-year-old rediscovered the shirt in the top of his wardrobe at his home in West Park recently, his grandchildren had others ideas about what should be done with it.

They decided that they would like to split the proceeds of the shirt's sale with the Motor Neurone Disease Association in a show of support for club legend Burrow, who went public with his diagnosis in 2019 and has done a huge amount to raise awareness of the incurable condition since.

"I got it out of the wardrobe to make room for other things and that's when we got talking about it," said Steve.

"I was just going to pass it on to the grandchildren but they told me they want to do something for Rob. It brings a tear to my eyes really.

"I got the shirt from a raffle 15 years ago. All I remember is winning it, bringing it home really impressed, and it goes into the wardrobe. It's time for something to be done with it."

Steve, who describes himself as an armchair supporter of the Rhinos, said: "I watch them on TV when I can and have followed them from 15 or 16 years old. I'm from a football family though so I think there would be a more worthy supporter out there who would welcome having something like this.

"I know that the supporters have given thousands to charity for Rob. I thought wouldn't it be nice if they not only invested in the charity but could have the shirt as something nice for themselves."

Reflecting on the significance of the shirt, he said: "It was the launch in 2003, the platform for the Rhinos dominating Super League between 2004 and 2017. They won all the trophies going regularly. That 2003 team started off that success.

"The coach was Tony Smith. He took over around that time and was the coach who led them to their fortunes, including the treble in 2015. It was absolutely brilliant."

Half of the sum raised through the shirt's sale will be shared by Steve's grandchildren - Matthew, 15; Luke, 11; Avah, eight; Kye, six, and Isobel, four.

The remaining funds will be donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association to aid its research into treatments for the condition and the support it gives to families affected.

Any fans who wish to bid for the signed shirt can email Steve via [email protected] or text or call 07747 046268 until noon on March 20. Please include a contact name, number and offer.

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