Leeds Rhinos icons Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield granted Freedom of the City honour in Leeds

They will join illustrious names including Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Alan Bennett and members of the great United side of the 1960s and 1970s as freemen of the city.

Leeds council say the honour recognises the “courage, commitment and inspirational strength of character” shown by Burrow and Sinfield, particularly in their campaign raising funds and awareness to fight motor neurone disease (MND). Burrow, an eight-time Grand Final winner for Rhinos, was diagnosed with the terminal illness three years ago.

Since then, his former teammate and captain Sinfield has raised millions of pounds for MND research through a series of gruelling challenges, including running seven ultra-marathons in as many days last month.

Councillors will meet on January 11 to formally approve the pair’s honorary freemen status.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Leeds Civic Hall the same afternoon, with their names being added to an engraved roll of honour in the building’s banqueting suite.

Burrow said: “Having spent my entire adult life as part of the Leeds Rhinos family, it meant so much to me during my career to be able to bring joy to the people of Leeds with our success on the field.

“When you look down the distinguished list of previous recipients of this honour, it makes this acknowledgement from the city even more outstanding.

“I am deeply humbled to receive it, especially alongside Kevin, a man who continues to set the example for all of us to follow.”

Sinfield, who was this week confirmed as part of a new-look England rugby union coaching squad, was also “deeply honoured”.

“I have always said that while Oldham is my home town, Leeds is my home city and it was my privilege to represent the city as a Leeds Rhinos player during my career,” he said.

“While it was a joy to bring sporting success to our city on the field, the way the people of Leeds in particular have shown their love and support for my friend Rob Burrow and his family since his MND diagnosis says everything about what a wonderful city Leeds is.

“I accept this award on behalf of all those people who have done so much for our community.”

Leeds City Council leader councillor James Lewis hailed Burrow and Sinfield as “very special people indeed”.

“The way Rob has responded to his illness has been humbling to see, while Kevin’s determination to support not only his friend but all those affected by MND has been hugely inspirational,” Lewis added.

“They are true Leeds heroes and it is our privilege to be able to give their incredible story the recognition it deserves.”

Both players spent their entire rugby league career with Rhinos before going on to join the backroom staff.

“Kevin and Rob thoroughly deserve this accolade and it is fitting they should receive it together,” Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said.

“On the field, they were part of a golden generation at Leeds Rhinos that brought unprecedented success to the city along with national and global acclaim. However, even more impactful has been their work away from the rugby field. The inspiration Rob has offered since his MND diagnosis for so many with life-limiting illness has been incredible. In turn, that has allowed Kevin to inspire others to raise funds and awareness in the fight against this cruel disease. As a club, we are immensely proud of both Rob and Kevin.”