Finally, arise Sir Kevin Sinfield - we've always known you are a hero, but now it's official
He’s always been Sir Kev to us - but now the rest of the world knows it too 👏
Kevin Sinfield has always had a special place in this city’s hearts.
From the moment he stepped out on the hallowed turf at Headingley leading the Rhinos to glory through to the heart wrenching moment he showed true friendship by carrying his treasured team mate Rob Burrow over the finish line.
This city has always proudly known him as Sir Kev.
And now, it’s finally official after he was awarded a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours.
It’s an honour that has long been overdue - and this newspaper has called time and time again for Kev’s selfless efforts to be recognised properly.
As a player, he was the beating heart of the club. It wasn’t just about wearing the captain’s armband with pride it was about being a team player.
His connections forged on the pitch gave the team the ability to transcend the game.
In an age hungry for role models, Kevin Sinfield has turned his quiet loyalty to his team mate Rob Burrow, who sadly died after a courageous battle with motor neurone disease, into a public force for good.
He has selflessly put his body through the wringer to raise millions of pounds to fight the cruel condition that robbed him of his pal.
This year sees him embarking on his final 7 in 7 challenge. Every single mile of his punishing challenge has not been for glory. Instead it has been for friendship, dignity and hope.
He has put his own body through the wringer to raise millions of pounds and awareness for the condition that sadly claimed Rob’s life two years ago.
His efforts have helped to make Rob's vision come true by creating a dedicated MND Centre right here in the heart of Leeds to support families in their time of need, to create a sanctuary of dignity for those with the condition and to lead pioneering research to one day find a cure.
Kev reminds us what it is to be a true hero - and his is one who never asks to be called a hero at all.
And now finally he has the recognition that so many people have been calling for, for such a long time.