Wigan Warriors' show of support for Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow

Wigan Warriors will wear a special embroidered shirt in Sunday's Betfred Super League clash with Leeds - to support Rhinos legend Rob Burrow.

The shirts will feature a word each Warriors player has chosen to describe Burrow – who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last December - alongside their name.

Rob Burrow, centre, after Jamie Jones-Buchanan's testimonial game earlier this year, which raised money for his fight against MND. Picture by Steve Riding.placeholder image
Rob Burrow, centre, after Jamie Jones-Buchanan's testimonial game earlier this year, which raised money for his fight against MND. Picture by Steve Riding.

The shirts will be auctioned off via the Wigan Warriors Community Foundation eBay page with all proceeds donated to the Rob Burrow Fund.

Wigan skipper Sean O’Loughlin has chosen the word 'inspirational’ to describe Burrow on his jersey.

Sean O'Loughlin. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.placeholder image
Sean O'Loughlin. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.

"To have that symbol embroidered on the shirt is pretty special and I think the boys will wear the shirt with pride," he said.

"It's nice of the club to acknowledge what Rob and his family are going through.

"Rob's a pretty special character in the sport, whether you know him or not.

"He's small in stature, but big in personality and was always big in performances throughout his career.

Sean O'Loughlin's shirt for Sunday's game, with its tribute to Rob Burrow. Picture by Wigan Warriors.placeholder image
Sean O'Loughlin's shirt for Sunday's game, with its tribute to Rob Burrow. Picture by Wigan Warriors.

"He's a symbolic figure in the Super League era and for the boys to get a word on the shirt that they see Rob as is a nice touch and a good way to show our support."

Wigan executive director Kris Radlinski added: "We have always said that we would do something for Rob when Wigan played Leeds in Super League.

"Rather than just a financial gesture, we felt that it was important to let Rob know just what an impact that he had on his fellow players during his time as a player, and his inspirational approach and conduct since his diagnosis.

"We were all devastated when we heard about Rob's condition, but typically and expectedly, we came together to support him in such a unique way.

"I have never seen such an outpouring of emotion from a sport to one of its own.

"I hope Rob gains great strength, safe in the knowledge he is constantly in our thoughts at Wigan and we are all with him on this journey."

The game has been put back 24 hours and will be staged on neutral ground at St Helens.

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins

Celebrating 135 years of telling Leeds' stories
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice