Appeal for Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow nears £250,000 - as Barrie McDermott calls for league leaders' shield to be named in his honour

Rugby league has rallied around Burrow since before Christmas when the former scrum-half - and current Rhinos reserve team coach - announced he had been diagnosed with the terminal illness motor neurone disease.

By early afternoon on New Year's Eve, £205,769 had been pledged, by 9,162 supporters, to a fund for Burrow and his family via the online donation site www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/robburrow.

With gift aid contributions added, the total was £245,244.95.

Meanwhile, Barrie McDermott has called for the Super League leaders' shield to be named after his former teammate.

McDermott played alongside Burrow in Leeds' 2004 Grand Final win.

Now a television pundit, he told skysports.com: "[Burrow's] legacy as a rugby league player - let alone a man - is someone who continually fought against adversity, worked incredibly hard his whole career, was brave and courageous, showed consistency throughout his career and delivered on the big stage.

"For me, that's what the League Leaders' Shield should signify."