Leeds Rhinos captain Stevie Ward urges fans to donate to Rob Burrow fundraising after 'shocking' diagnosis

Leeds United captain Liam Cooper is the latest big name to pitch in, having put his match-worn short from Saturday’s game at Fulham up for grabs through an online raffle.

Tickets cost £5 and more than 2,400 has already been pledged.

By lunchtime on Monday - just four days after Burrow revealed he has been diagnosed with the terminal illness motor neurone disease (MND) - online donations to the former player and current Rhinos reserve team coach had reached more than £165,000.

With gift aid added in, the total was above £198,000.

Ward, who was this week confirmed as the club’s new skipper, played alongside Burrow in Leeds’ 2012 and 2017 Super League Grand Final wins.

“It was such shocking news for everyone,” Ward said of Burrow’s illness.

“You can tell by the response how well thought of he is and how much people care for him and want to help the cause.

“It certainly hit me hard when I heard the news last week so I’d just urge everyone to keep helping out and keep thinking of ideas for what you can do individually as well.

“Rob’s really grateful and I’d like to thank everyone too.”

And there has been a rush for tickets to Rhinos’ home pre-season game against Bradford Bulls on Sunday, January 12, when the proceeds will be split between Burrow and his ex-teammate Jamie Jones-Buchanan who retired in September.

Click here to donate to the online fundraising page