Thousands of people lined the streets to pay their respects to Leeds Rhinos legend and motor neurone disease campaigner Rob Burrow as a private funeral service was held.
Burrow passed away at the age of 41 on June 2, four and a half years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
The service was attended by many of Burrow’s ex-team-mates and coaches, including Kevin Sinfield, with whom Burrow raised more than £15m for MND charities since his diagnosis.
Image: Burrow passed away at the age of 41 on June 2, four and half years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease
Sinfield – who ran seven ultra-marathons in as many days last December to generate funds – flew back from New Zealand, where he has been part of the England rugby union side’s coaching staff.
The funeral procession passed by Featherstone Lions’ ground where Burrow played rugby as a young boy, and slowed again through Featherstone near to where he played junior rugby.
Cars arrived and slowed into Pontefract Crematorium, passing through family and friends for the final time before a haka was performed as Burrow was carried out of the hearse.
Burrow’s former Leeds colleagues Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Ryan Hall and Matt Diskin were among those also present.
Team-mate and close friend Kevin Sinfield sent a special message to Leeds fans following Burrow’s passing
‘Burrow a true inspiration, a giant of a person’
Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington told the PA news agency of Burrow: “He was a true inspiration.
“The whole rugby league community has come together supported by Leeds Rhinos fans and so many others and his efforts over the last four and a half years with MND inspired the nation.
“With so much support from those such as Kevin Sinfield, politicians and other sports figures… it has been quite remarkable and he leaves a huge legacy. This is the final journey, it has been a remarkable chapter.
Leeds Rhinos gathered to remember their inspirational number seven and give Burrow the fitting tribute he deserved in the match against Leigh in June
“We all knew what the outcome would eventually be and Rob has been remarkable with his fight and what he’s been able to do, not only Rob, but his family.
“The whole family have come together and have been supported by sport in general. It’s brought people together and has moved the nation.
“He was full of life, full of ambition and full of enthusiasm.
“Rob was 5ft 4in but was a giant of a man, a giant of a rugby league player and a giant of a person.”
You can donate to the MND Association at www.mndassociation.org/skysports
On Saturday afternoon, it emerged that Archie Gray was set for a shock move to Brentford, after personal terms were agreed between the teenager and the West London club.
But, by Sunday morning, Tottenham had become frontrunners. He has now completed part of his medical and there is every expectation that he will head to North London instead.
Should all go to plan, Spurs will have completed the signing of one of the brightest young prospects in the country – and Leeds will be cut incredibly deep. This one will sting for a long time to come.
Sky Sports’ Tim Thornton provides an update on which club Leeds star Archie Gray could be heading to and why the Championship side are selling the 18-year-old
But why is Gray – who, due to safeguarding rules, had to use a separate dressing room from his team-mates before he turned 18 in March – being courted by Premier League clubs? Here, we take a look at the story of his fledgling career…
Continuing the Gray legacy at Leeds
First things first, the Gray name is royalty at Elland Road.
Archie’s grandad Frank and great-uncle Eddie made over 900 appearances for the club combined during the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Together, they were part of the 1973/74 First Division-winning squad, and the squad that finished as runners-up in the 1974/75 European Cup.
Image: Frank Gray played almost 400 times for Leeds
Eddie would later return to manage the squad during two spells; between 1982 and 1985 and then between 2003 and 2004, latterly as the caretaker who oversaw relegation out of the Premier League. Regardless, he is seen as a legendary figure at the club to this day.
It came as no surprise that, when Frank’s son Andy started his career in the 1990s, he did so at Leeds. However, he could only manage 38 appearances, with the best form of his career coming elsewhere in Yorkshire with Bradford, Sheffield United and Barnsley.
Image: Eddie Gray played over 500 times for Leeds and managed the club across two separate spells
And so it was the natural order when Andy’s son Archie joined Leeds’ academy a decade ago, aged eight. His younger brother Harry, 15, is also on the club’s books and already causing a stir at U18 level, but that is one to revisit another day…
Bielsa unearths a gem
The impact Marcelo Bielsa had during his time at Leeds went well beyond the pitch, but his ability to get the best out of players was second to none – Kalvin Phillips’ development is a prime example. But he can also take some credit for Gray’s accelerated rise to the first team.
Image: Archie Gray was only 15 when he first appeared on Leeds’ bench in December 2021
Gray was still at school, preparing to take his GCSEs when the Argentinian started to bring him into the first team fold. Remarkably, during an interview with The Athletic earlier this year, Gray suggested he had little fear about making the step up.
Clearly convinced by his ability, Bielsa named him on the bench for the 4-1 defeat to Arsenal a week before Christmas in 2021 and again on January 16 for the 3-2 win at West Ham.
Image: Marcelo Bielsa brought Gray into the first team fold
That was it for the next four months. He had been given a glimpse, but with Bielsa’s departure in February and the very real threat of relegation lingering, experience was required to salvage Leeds’ place in the Premier League.
Bielsa’s replacement Jesse Marsch had been wooed by Gray’s talents, too, though, and named him as a substitute for the final four crucial matches, the last of which was a 2-1 win at Brentford, which secured survival in the most dramatic fashion.
A stellar breakout season
After Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League at the end of 2022/23, there was an exodus of sorts; big-money signings on Premier League wages departed on loan.
While the 17-year-old Gray started the season alongside Ethan Ampadu in central midfield, Luke Ayling had continued at right-back, with little competition after the loan departure of Rasmus Kristensen to Roma.
Djed Spence had come in on loan himself, but was hampered by injury – and when he did play, he deputised at left-back throughout the Christmas period.
The 1-0 win at home to QPR on October 4 turned out to be the very last time Ayling started a game for Leeds. Three days later, Gray replaced him at right-back for the first time and made the spot his own.
Over the course of the next 36 games, Gray started 28 at right-back, four in midfield. There were two brief cameos and twice he was left on the bench, likely to give his legs some much-needed respite.
His assured, composed performances helped him to a place in the England U21 squad in March and he scored on his debut against Azerbaijan.
“I’m very proud of how he’s been doing so far,” said his great-uncle Eddie during an interview with Sky Sports ahead of Leeds’ play-off semi-final against Norwich.
“He’s been playing in a position that is not natural to him; he’s a midfield player and he’ll end up playing in the middle of the park. I can see him, in years to come, being a box-to-box midfielder because he’s a good athlete.
“But he’s still learning the game – and he’s keen to learn the game. Hopefully he goes onto good things with the football club.”
Premature new beginnings
It was plain to see how much the play-off defeat to Southampton at Wembley in affected Gray. Losing at Wembley always hurts, but more so when it is your boyhood club.
Given his tender age, the sobering experience will provide invaluable experience that will set him apart from his peers even more so.
Before the recent developments, there was no obvious reason to suggest trudging back down the stairs from the Royal Box with a runners-up medal in hand would be his final action in a Leeds shirt, particularly because Gray only signed a new four-and-a-half year deal in January.
“It’s just a dream come true,” he said after signing. “The club trust me and trust my family and hopefully I can repay it.”
In an interview with the Guardian, he had spoken about hopes of winning the Champions League with the club and captaining England.
The latter remains on the table – and it would be no surprise if he did so in years to come, given the way he has taken to the professional game like a duck to water.
For now, though, it seems the former will have to be put on pause. A fairy tale to revisit some day in the future.
On Saturday afternoon, it emerged that Archie Gray was set for a shock move to Brentford, after personal terms were agreed between the teenager and the West London club.
But, by Sunday morning, Tottenham had become frontrunners. He has now completed part of his medical and there is every expectation that he will head to North London instead.
Should all go to plan, Spurs will have completed the signing of one of the brightest young prospects in the country – and Leeds will be cut incredibly deep. This one will sting for a long time to come.
Sky Sports’ Tim Thornton provides an update on which club Leeds star Archie Gray could be heading to and why the Championship side are selling the 18-year-old
But why is Gray – who, due to safeguarding rules, had to use a separate dressing room from his team-mates before he turned 18 in March – being courted by Premier League clubs? Here, we take a look at the story of his fledgling career…
Continuing the Gray legacy at Leeds
First things first, the Gray name is royalty at Elland Road.
Archie’s grandad Frank and great-uncle Eddie made over 900 appearances for the club combined during the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Together, they were part of the 1973/74 First Division-winning squad, and the squad that finished as runners-up in the 1974/75 European Cup.
Image: Frank Gray played almost 400 times for Leeds
Eddie would later return to manage the squad during two spells; between 1982 and 1985 and then between 2003 and 2004, latterly as the caretaker who oversaw relegation out of the Premier League. Regardless, he is seen as a legendary figure at the club to this day.
It came as no surprise that, when Frank’s son Andy started his career in the 1990s, he did so at Leeds. However, he could only manage 38 appearances, with the best form of his career coming elsewhere in Yorkshire with Bradford, Sheffield United and Barnsley.
Image: Eddie Gray played over 500 times for Leeds and managed the club across two separate spells
And so it was the natural order when Andy’s son Archie joined Leeds’ academy a decade ago, aged eight. His younger brother Harry, 15, is also on the club’s books and already causing a stir at U18 level, but that is one to revisit another day…
Bielsa unearths a gem
The impact Marcelo Bielsa had during his time at Leeds went well beyond the pitch, but his ability to get the best out of players was second to none – Kalvin Phillips’ development is a prime example. But he can also take some credit for Gray’s accelerated rise to the first team.
Image: Archie Gray was only 15 when he first appeared on Leeds’ bench in December 2021
Gray was still at school, preparing to take his GCSEs when the Argentinian started to bring him into the first team fold. Remarkably, during an interview with The Athletic earlier this year, Gray suggested he had little fear about making the step up.
Clearly convinced by his ability, Bielsa named him on the bench for the 4-1 defeat to Arsenal a week before Christmas in 2021 and again on January 16 for the 3-2 win at West Ham.
Image: Marcelo Bielsa brought Gray into the first team fold
That was it for the next four months. He had been given a glimpse, but with Bielsa’s departure in February and the very real threat of relegation lingering, experience was required to salvage Leeds’ place in the Premier League.
Bielsa’s replacement Jesse Marsch had been wooed by Gray’s talents, too, though, and named him as a substitute for the final four crucial matches, the last of which was a 2-1 win at Brentford, which secured survival in the most dramatic fashion.
A stellar breakout season
After Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League at the end of 2022/23, there was an exodus of sorts; big-money signings on Premier League wages departed on loan.
While the 17-year-old Gray started the season alongside Ethan Ampadu in central midfield, Luke Ayling had continued at right-back, with little competition after the loan departure of Rasmus Kristensen to Roma.
Djed Spence had come in on loan himself, but was hampered by injury – and when he did play, he deputised at left-back throughout the Christmas period.
The 1-0 win at home to QPR on October 4 turned out to be the very last time Ayling started a game for Leeds. Three days later, Gray replaced him at right-back for the first time and made the spot his own.
Over the course of the next 36 games, Gray started 28 at right-back, four in midfield. There were two brief cameos and twice he was left on the bench, likely to give his legs some much-needed respite.
His assured, composed performances helped him to a place in the England U21 squad in March and he scored on his debut against Azerbaijan.
“I’m very proud of how he’s been doing so far,” said his great-uncle Eddie during an interview with Sky Sports ahead of Leeds’ play-off semi-final against Norwich.
“He’s been playing in a position that is not natural to him; he’s a midfield player and he’ll end up playing in the middle of the park. I can see him, in years to come, being a box-to-box midfielder because he’s a good athlete.
“But he’s still learning the game – and he’s keen to learn the game. Hopefully he goes onto good things with the football club.”
Premature new beginnings
It was plain to see how much the play-off defeat to Southampton at Wembley in affected Gray. Losing at Wembley always hurts, but more so when it is your boyhood club.
Given his tender age, the sobering experience will provide invaluable experience that will set him apart from his peers even more so.
Before the recent developments, there was no obvious reason to suggest trudging back down the stairs from the Royal Box with a runners-up medal in hand would be his final action in a Leeds shirt, particularly because Gray only signed a new four-and-a-half year deal in January.
“It’s just a dream come true,” he said after signing. “The club trust me and trust my family and hopefully I can repay it.”
In an interview with the Guardian, he had spoken about hopes of winning the Champions League with the club and captaining England.
The latter remains on the table – and it would be no surprise if he did so in years to come, given the way he has taken to the professional game like a duck to water.
For now, though, it seems the former will have to be put on pause. A fairy tale to revisit some day in the future.
Brentford are closing in on the signing of Leeds midfielder Archie Gray.
They have agreed an initial £35m fee for the 18-year-old, and he has been given permission to undergo a medical.
The deal could eventually be worth £40m if bonuses are met.
However, sources have indicated there is still work to do to finalise his arrival at Brentford, and other clubs remain interested in the player.
Gray has enjoyed a breakout season at Elland Road, making 52 appearances in all competitions as the Whites lost the Championship play-off final to Southampton – a game where he played the full 90 minutes.
He is the son of former Nottingham Forest, Leeds and Burnley striker Andy Gray, and first featured in a first-team squad three months before his 16th birthday, when he was named on the bench for a Premier League game with Arsenal in December 2021.
What does the data say Brentford need this summer?
Sky Sports statistician Paul Harrison:
“Last season was Brentford’s lowest finish (16th) and points total of their three Premier League campaigns (39) – they won just five of their final 24 league games.
“For the first half of the season, they caught a glimpse of life without talisman Ivan Toney – something likely to become a permanent feature this summer with only one year left on his contract.
“Thomas Frank has acted fast with the signing of Brazilian striker Igor Thiago being confirmed in February. Only Kevin Denkey scored more league goals in Belgium’s top tier this season than Thiago, whose conversion rate was nearly three times that of his potential predecessor.”
The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership is officially open.
The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.
The Premier League and Scottish Premiership brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.
Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports
Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.
Leeds Rhinos and the Burrow family have confirmed the funeral of Rob Burrow CBE will take place on Sunday, July 7.
The date is notable as the one that the club use to annually celebrate Rob Burrow Day because of the iconic No 7 shirt he wore during his career.
The Leeds Rhinos great died at the age of 41 on June 2, having dedicated the last four-and-a-half years of his life to raising money and awareness for motor neurone disease causes after being diagnosed with the condition in December 2019.
The Burrow family and Leeds Rhinos players came together on the pitch after the game to watch a tribute to the inspirational number seven.
Burrow won eight Super League titles, two Challenge Cup trophies and three World Club Challenges at Leeds, while he also represented England and Great Britain internationally.
Leeds Rhinos supporters recall the special moments they had with Rob Burrow ahead of his tribute match at Headingley stadium.
The planned service will be private and for invited guests only, but the route for Burrow’s final journey has been published and members of the public are invited to stand on the roadside to pay their respects as the funeral cortege progresses.
Leeds City Council and the Lord Mayor of Leeds will also host an invite only civic reception in honour of Rob on Friday, July 12 at 11am.
Team-mate and close friend Kevin Sinfield sends a special message to the Leeds fans gathered to pay tribute to Rob Burrow.
Leeds honour ‘little warrior’ Burrow with tributes and victory
Last week, ahead of the Super League match between Leeds Rhinos and Leigh Leopards, his boyhood club and Sky Sports paid tribute to the “little warrior” who left a gigantic mark.
Leeds Rhinos gathered to remember their inspirational number seven and gave Rob Burrow the fitting tribute he deserved.
On Global MND Awareness day, a packed out Headingley Stadium was pulsing with emotion as family, friends, and fans alike came together to celebrate Leeds’ greatest No 7 who raised millions for the disease he battled valiantly since his diagnosis.
Sky Sports’ Rugby League’s Jamie Jones-Buchanan described the moment as Burrow’s “brothers and sisters” bringing the tribute into the “inner sanctum” – and that they did, his wife Lindsey Burrow, his parents Irene and Geoff Burrow, plus 80 of his former team-mates coming from as far as Australia and New Zealand to celebrate his legacy.
A special rendition of Nessun Dorma helps pays tribute to former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow.
A powerful rendition of Nessun Dorma soundtracked the fireworks and applause as the celebration of Burrow’s life took to the pitch, the Rhinos players wearing a special jersey designed by Cath Muir, who herself was diagnosed with MND in 2014.
Video tributes also came in from stars across codes and sports, starting with a message from Burrow’s close friend and fellow MND campaigner Kevin Sinfield CBE, Alan Shearer also leaving a message that the sporting world will “remember Rob Burrow forever”.
Sky Sports pays tribute to the life and legacy of Rob Burrow CBE, following his tragic death from motor neurone disease.
It was a fittingly emotional build-up that looked to raise vital funds. Every day six people are diagnosed with motor neurone disease and every day six people die of the disease. There is no cure. The money raised as part of the MND Awareness game is hoping to change that.
The Rhinos came away with a much-needed 18-10 victory, Brodie Croft pointed to the sky, Geoff Burrow cheered, and the lasting memory from June 21, 2024 will be a night that remembered one of rugby league’s greats.
You can donate to the MND Association at www.mndassociation.org/skysports and on Sky Sports’ digital and social platforms.
Rugby league legend Rob Burrow will be honoured by Hull FC at Leeds Rhinos’ first Super League match following his tragic death from motor neurone disease.
Burrow passed away aged just 41 recently after being diagnosed with the degenerative condition in 2019, just two years after retiring from the sport.
In a glittering 17-season career spent entirely with the Rhinos, Burrow won eight Super League titles, two Challenge Cup trophies and three World Club Challenges.
Leeds are set to play in the club’s first Super League fixture since the rugby league legend passed away and hosts Hull FC will pay tribute at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.
Fans flocked to Headingley to pay tribute to former Leeds Rhinos star Rob Burrow following his death
As the teams enter the field of play ahead of the match, a video remembering Burrow’s life and some of his most iconic moments will be played, before former team-mate Liam Sutcliffe, and current Leeds Rhinos captain Cam Smith lay wreaths pitchside on behalf of both clubs in his memory.
A minute’s applause will be observed ahead of kick-off and there will also be a minute’s applause in the seventh minute of the game.
Image: Burrow won eight Super League titles, two Challenge Cup trophies and three World Club Challenges with Leeds
A statement from Hull FC said: “The club was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Rugby League legend earlier this month – Rob was a warrior, a hero and an inspiration, who fought his battle with Motor Neurone Disease with incredible strength, dignity, and bravery.
“His legacy to both the sport of Rugby League, and the MND community, will never be forgotten.
Burrow wrote his name into Grand Final history with his stunning solo try which set Leeds Rhinos on course for victory in 2011
“In consultation with the Rhinos, the club have confirmed a number of tributes which will take place before and during the fixture.
“Supporters will be able to make donations to the Leeds Hospitals Charity’s Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, with bucket collections taking place inside the stadium – young players from Rob’s community club Featherstone Lions will take part in the bucket collection.
Leeds Rhinos forward Cameron Smith remembers former team-mate and coach Burrow and says he was a maverick on the pitch
“Fans will also be able to sign the club’s Book of Condolence at the MKM Stadium retail store ahead of kick-off – supporters who wish to sign the book are advised to arrive in good time.
“Members of the Hull FC squad will wear a special warm-up jersey ahead of kick-off, sporting Burrow’s name and the number seven, which is synonymous with the eight time Grand Final winner, as well as black armbands during the match.
An emotional Burrow took to the field for the final time in January 2020 to a standing ovation at a sold-out Headingley
“The jerseys will be signed by the players and auctioned via the club’s eBay channel in the coming weeks, with all proceeds donated to the Leeds Hospitals Charity’s Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease.
“The match ball will be delivered by Hull FC legend Scott Taylor, who was a close friend of Rob’s and recently ran the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.”
Tries from Zach Eckersley, Lance Todd Trophy winner Bevan French and Liam Farrell, plus three conversions from Harry Smith, secured an 18-8 victory for Wigan Warriors over Warrington Wolves in the men’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley; tributes were paid to Rob Burrow CBE throughout the day
By Marc Bazeley at Wembley Stadium
Last Updated: 08/06/24 5:17pm
Wigan captain Liam Farrell lifts the Challenge Cup after Wigan’s 18-8 victory over Warrington at Wembley
Sam Burgess’ hopes of claiming the Challenge Cup in his first season as Warrington Wolves head coach were dashed as Wigan Warriors triumphed 18-8 in Saturday’s final at Wembley.
On an emotional day which saw the rugby league community commemorate the life of Rob Burrow CBE, tempers flared in the opening minutes of the game as both Mike Cooper and Matt Dufty were sent to the sin bin for dangerous tackles in quick succession.
Although Josh Thewlis kicked Warrington ahead from a penalty goal, it was Wigan who led 12-2 at half-time thanks to converted tries from Zach Eckersley, making only his third start for the club in place of the suspended Adam Keighran, and Bevan French.
A third from skipper Liam Farrell approaching the midway point of the second half put the Warriors firmly on course for a record-extending 21st triumph in the knockout competition and although Dufty grabbed one for the Wolves, there was no way back for his side.
Story of the game
As well as being one of rugby league’s showpiece events, this year’s Challenge Cup final saw the sport come together to pay tribute to Burrow following his death last Sunday at the age of 41 following a four-and-a-half-year battle with motor neurone disease.
A minute’s silence was observed before both the women’s and men’s finals, along with a minute’s applause at the seventh minute of each game, while Burrow’s image was on display on the big screens at Wembley. Fans left tributes at the Rugby League Statue outside the ground as well.
When play did begin at 3.07pm, a time chosen to honour Burrow, any doubts about just how intense the latest chapter of this rivalry would be were dispelled in the opening three minutes as both teams had players sent to the sin bin by referee Chris Kendall.
Wigan’s Bevan French scored a try and was named Lance Todd Trophy winner
Having seen out an early spell of pressure following the restart which was ended when Matty Ashton was gang-tackled into touch, Wigan moved further in front in the 56th minute when the ball was worked through the hands of Harry Smith and Jai Field to send Farrell racing away from around 40 metres out to finish.
That seemed to light a fire under the Wolves though and having been camped on Wigan’s line following a repeat set and a goal-line drop-out, Dufty got the ball and carved his way through the defence for a try with just over a quarter of an hour remaining.
But that was as good as it got for Warrington and they were unable to make further inroads, as Wigan celebrated their first Wembley triumph for 11 years, with their last Challenge Cup win in 2022 having come at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
What’s next?
Warrington Wolves are back in Betfred Super League action on Friday, June 14 when they host Salford Red Devils live on Sky Sports Arena (8pm). Wigan Warriors travel to Castleford Tigers on the same evening in a match live on Sky Sports Action (8pm).
Watch every match of the 2024 Betfred Super League season, including Magic Weekend, the play-offs, and men’s, women’s, and wheelchair Grand Finals, live on Sky Sports. Also stream with NOW.
Shona Hoyle was a Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup winner with St Helens and a try-scorer in their victory over Leeds Rhinos at Wembley last year. On Saturday, however, she will be part of the Rhinos team trying to stop Saints making it four in a row.
The England forward moved across the Pennines to Leeds ahead of the 2024 season and there was perhaps an inevitability she would come up against St Helens for her new club – in a game with one of the sport’s major honours on the line – at some point.
Hoyle is not surprised it has happened in the Women’s Challenge Cup final as the sides meet in the showpiece game for the third year in a row, and, while she bears no ill will to her former team-mates, there will be no chance of her going easy on them.
“I’m really excited,” Hoyle said. “I knew they’d get there because they work hard for each other, and they’ve got that mentality of professionalism and performing in really important games.
“I knew this would be the opportunity, but there are no bad vibes. I really want them to perform, and I want us to perform. I’m ready to go, and I’m ready to fight for that win.
“For the Leeds girls it wasn’t great to end on that result [last year], but it’s all happened now and we’re ready to win this time. I’m not going there to lose and we’re all going to fight for that win.”
The Halifax native’s move to Leeds was eased by the fact there were already a couple of familiar faces there in fellow ex-Saint Amy Hardcastle and her former Bradford Bulls and England team-mate Lois Forsell, who is now head coach of the Rhinos.
Highlights of St Helens’ 12-6 win over Leeds Rhinos in their recent Betfred Women’s Super League match
Hoyle was able to quickly adapt to her new surroundings, though, and hit the ground running with six tries in her first seven appearances prior to suffering a finger injury which has sidelined her since last month.
“I’m quite good at adapting myself to new situations and I find it very comfortable,” Hoyle said. “I played with Lois with Bradford and England and felt very comfortable.
“I miss the girls loads at Saints, but my life is a lot easier and the girls at Saints understand that with the travel I was doing, so they understood the reasons I moved to Leeds.
“It was the right thing to do and I’m really excited to go out with the girls.”
I’ve been in a few Challenge Cups now and last year topped them all.
There could hardly be a better occasion for Hoyle to make her comeback from injury than Wembley Stadium though, never mind it being against her previous club, and the memories of last year’s groundbreaking game rank among the best of her career.
That the women’s final has joined the men’s on one of rugby league’s grandest stages makes it a far cry from her first taste of Challenge Cup glory with Bradford seven years ago when they beat Featherstone Rovers in somewhat more humble surroundings at the home ground of York community club Heworth.
As someone who began playing prior to the formation of the Betfred Women’s Super League in 2017, Hoyle is delighted by the huge strides the women’s game has made in recent years and is in no doubt playing the cup final at Wembley is taking it to even greater heights.
“I’ve been in a few Challenge Cups now and last year topped them all,” Hoyle said. “I’ll never take away from the previous wins, but it makes it a bit more exciting for the youth coming through.
Image: Hoyle was in the St Helens team that beat Leeds at Wembley last year
“Playing at Wembley, more teams will want to do that, so they’ll invest in players that need investing in.
“I feel it’s really important we keep up the development stages at different clubs, get young girls playing, coming through the system, and hopefully playing for a Super League team.
“The opportunities are greater and the more people who hear us and see us on TV, and see us performing at the highest level, they’ll want to be there.”
Leeds, winners of the Women’s Challenge Cup in 2018 and 2019, have come out on the losing side against St Helens on the two previous occasions they have faced them in this match and in the 2021 Women’s Super League Grand Final as well.
Image: Leeds were narrowly beaten by St Helens in the Women’s Super League last month
The Rhinos were runners-up in both finals last year, losing to York Valkyrie in the Women’s Super League Grand Final, and their most recent game against St Helens in the league saw the hosts hold on for a 12-6 win.
Hoyle, who returns to the Leeds team for the final along with Bethan Dainton and Ruby Enright, expects a similarly close-fought game to last month’s encounter.
“We had a couple of players out, so it will be great to get the girls back and what a great game of rugby league it was,” Hoyle said. “That’s what it’s all about and what it will be all about this weekend.
“It will be a really tight contest and really aggressive from both sides. That’s what I love and thrive in, and most of the girls do.”
Watch every match of the 2024 Betfred Super League season, including Magic Weekend, the play-offs, and men’s, women’s, and wheelchair Grand Finals, live on Sky Sports. Also stream with NOW.
Shenae Ciesiolka and Tarryn Aiken scored Queensland tries, before a Lauren Brown drop-goal sealed a one-point win vs New South Wales in Game II of Women’s State of Origin; Game III in historic best-of-three series takes place in Townsville, Queensland on June 27 live on Sky Sports
Last Updated: 06/06/24 1:22pm
Queensland levelled the Women’s State of Origin series at 1-1, coming from behind to clinch a late win vs New South Wales
A Lauren Brown drop-goal with two minutes to play sealed an 11-10 win for Queensland in an epic State of Origin contest at New South Wales, levelling the series.
In front of record women’s Origin crowd of 25,782, the Maroons dug deep to keep the series alive after trailing by six points with 10 minutes to play.
Keeley Davis and Tiana Penitani scored tries for New South Wales’ Sky Blues – either side of a Shenae Ciesiolka try – before Queensland’s Tarryn Aiken hit back with a superb individual try, which Brown converted to level the scores into the closing stages.
The Maroons – who lost 22-12 in Game I – then recovered the ball with three minutes to play, and set up a position for Brown to produce a drop-goal winner into the face of a wind.
The two sides will now face off in a series decider in Queensland on Thursday June 27, live on Sky Sports.
When Tiana Penitani scored a try in the corner for New South Wales, the Sky Blues looked to have done enough to win
Maroons five-eighth Aiken came up with a dazzling solo try in the 62nd minute as the defending champions refused to lie down and with Brown’s conversion it was locked up at 10-10.
A dropped ball by Sky Blues prop Caitlan Johnston with three minutes to play ensured a grandstand finish and it was Brown who slotted a composed field goal into the breeze to put the Maroons ahead 11-10.
From there the defending champions hung on to the lead and will head home to Queensland for a decider on June 27.
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Three tries from Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow set Queensland on course for a 38-10 victory in Sydney in the opening match of this year’s State of Origin series; New South Wales had debutant Joseph Suallii sent off for a high tackle on Reece Walsh just eight minutes into the match
Last Updated: 05/06/24 2:41pm
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New South Wales were reduced to 12 men in the opening 10 minutes of their clash with Queensland as Joseph Suaalii became just the sixth man to be sent off in State of Origin history
New South Wales were reduced to 12 men in the opening 10 minutes of their clash with Queensland as Joseph Suaalii became just the sixth man to be sent off in State of Origin history
Joseph Suaalii’s first-half dismissal proved costly for New South Wales as Queensland triumphed in Game I of this year’s State of Origin series.
Suaalii, one of five debutants in the Blues team, was given his marching orders just eight minutes into the match in Sydney for a high tackle on Maroons full-back Reece Walsh.
The visitors made the most of that numerical advantage as well, with a hat-trick of tries from Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, two from Ben Hunt and one from Xavier Coates securing a 38-10 victory.
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Reigning champions Queensland had taken the lead when both sides still had 13 on the pitch after Daly Cherry-Evans’ burst out of dummy-half set up Hunt for the opening try in the fifth minute.
New South Wales, with former New Zealand head coach Michael Maguire at the helm for the first time, were then dealt a bigger blow when Samoa international Suaalii was sent off by referee Ashley Klein for his high shot on Walsh which saw the Maroons man forced out of the game.
Valentine Holmes kicked the first of his seven goals from the resulting penalty, yet NSW hit back on 14 minutes through a try from James Tedesco which was converted by Nicho Hynes.
However, that was as close as the Blues got for the rest of the game and Queensland seized the initiative with two tries in the space of five minutes from Tabuai-Fidow.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow ran in three tries for Queensland as they beat New South Wales in State of Origin Game I
Trailing 20-6 at half time, New South Wales were quickest out of the blocks when play resumed as they crossed again in the 44th minute through Zac Lomax.
Despite their best efforts a man down, the Maroons would prove too strong though and Hunt went over for his second try of the game in the 67th minute.
Coates got in on the scoring act with 10 minutes to go and Tabuai-Fidow’s converted try in the final minute put the seal on Queensland’s biggest-ever victory in Sydney.
History is on the side of Billy Slater’s side as they bid to retain the Origin shield for the third year in a row, with New South Wales’ only series win after losing the first game in Sydney coming 30 years ago.
What’s next?
The Women’s State of Origin series takes centre stage on Thursday with the second match between New South Wales and Queensland taking place at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event (10.45am kick-off).
The men’s series continues on Wednesday, June 26 when the Blues and Maroons clash at the MCG in Melbourne. That match is also live on Sky Sports (11.45am kick-off).
