Leeds Rhinos v Leigh Leopards: club owner Derek Beaumont urges away fans to salute 'superman' Rob Burrow

The Betfred Super League round 15 clash is Leeds’ first home game since Burrow’s death 19 days earlier and takes place on global motor neurone disease awareness day. Members of the MND community and former teammates will be at the match to celebrate the eight-time Grand Final winner’s life and career.

Despite being from Castleford, Burrow was a lifelong Leeds fan and his first visit to Headingley was as a five-year-old when Leigh were the visitors in 1990. Leopards owner Derek Beaumont is urging their supporters to turn up in numbers this week and join in the commemorations for someone he described as a “truly magnificent rugby player” and “superhuman being, epitomising courage, selflessness, hope and aspirations for all”.

He said: “As he boldly stated, in a life full of adversity we can dare to dream. What Rob Burrow CBE did in the adversity of MND has created so many dreams for so many people that have, or in the future will have, a life with MND.

“I was privileged to have been able to have contributed in a small way to the mammoth funds and awareness he created, for not just MND, but the will to succeed and enjoy life at whatever quality was available, always with a smile on your face.

“It is for that reason that I view the visit to Headingley with anticipation of success. Not the success of playing a game of rugby, but for the success of the man, the legend that will never be forgotten; the success in what he achieved in his short time on earth that creates a bigger and brighter future for so many.”

Beaumont stressed: “Friday is about Rob, his family, his friends, his colleagues, his club Leeds Rhinos and everything he achieved and will continue to achieve. It is with great pride that our team will don specially made #7 Rob Burrow shirts for our warmup.

“The thought of any team in any sport represented by every individual possessing what Rob did makes the hairs stand up on my neck. Nothing could beat that. I am sure Headingley Stadium will be bursting at the turnstiles with everyone wanting to attend the first game to pay respects to Rob at his home ground.

“I would urge our fantastic supporters to attend in massive numbers to show our support by filling the visitors’ end of the stadium. They can then take part in crowd surfing the 150 square-metre flag that we have had made throughout the minute’s silence and during minute seven of the game to show our club’s respect and love of a man to whom in the end words cannot do justice.”

Leigh are bidding to back up last year’s victory, which was their first win at Headingley in Super League. Beaumont recalled: “I have always enjoyed my visits to Headingley Stadium. It’s a great venue, hosting a big, successful club with a great atmosphere created by a large and passionate following.

“I particularly like their opening fans’ song ‘marching on together’. There is just something about it that gets you set for the action. It harbours some fond memories, both of disappointment and more so of success.”