'Well overdue': YEP readers want Rob Burrow statue in the city alongside honouring another Rhinos legend

It has been two years since the city and the sporting world lost the irreplaceable Rob Burrow CBE, but his memory and legacy burn as brightly as ever in West Yorkshire.

We recently asked our readers on the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Facebook page a simple question: “Is it time for Rob Burrow to be honoured with a statue in Leeds?”

The response was instantaneous, deeply emotional, and almost unanimous, with readers returning a resounding "yes."

But while the city strongly believes a permanent monument is warranted, the public has laid down a beautiful condition. Leeds doesn't just want a statue of Rob - they want a monument dedicated to an unbreakable bond.

'An icon to all'

For the people of Leeds, Rob Burrow represents the absolute best of the city - both for his legendary exploits on the Headingley turf in the amber and blue, and his tireless, awe-inspiring campaign to raise millions for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research.

Reader David Stretch Williams spoke for thousands, noting: "And so he should be. He was an icon to all."

Clare Hampson agreed that a monument would be "a lovely thing to show how much he meant to everyone in the rugby and MND community," while Marie Newton added, "He's a true legend... honouring him is the right thing to do."

For many, the tribute is already a long time coming. "It’s been long overdue," wrote Mark Davis, while Richard Peel added that it is "an absolute joke one has not been erected already."

Giving Kevin his flowers

However, as the comments flooded in, it became impossible to separate Rob's legacy from that of his best friend and ultimate teammate, Kevin Sinfield CBE.

The single most prominent theme from the feedback was a collective desire from the city to see Kevin get his flowers alongside Rob.

"Please don’t forget Kev Sinfield," urged Paul Brame, a sentiment echoed by dozens of readers who believe the two names belong together forever.

The calls for physical recognition frequently tied into demands for the highest national honours for Sinfield's heroic fundraising efforts.

Bri Bamford described the pair as "two ambassadors of rugby league - and a true hero. Arise Sir Kev," while Sandra Mallon wrote it is "about time his best friend was knighted."

Tracy Smith added: "A million percent. Rob deserves this, and Kevin should be knighted too."

An enduring image of love and friendship

When imagining what form the statue should take, readers repeatedly pointed away from standard matchday action shots and toward something much more profound.

The public consensus is that the monument should depict the incredibly stirring image of Kevin carrying Rob across the finish line of the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon—a moment that came to define community spirit, pure love, and a complete openness of male friendship.

Lou Sara wrote that the city needs a monument of "ROB & KEV together - a statue of Kev carrying Rob over the finish line."

Steve Watson and Janet Ann Hay both strongly backed the finish line imagery, while Michael Ball added it should show "both of them together. Kev carrying Rob."

For others, a simple embrace would perfectly capture what the pair mean to the city. Lee 'Speedy' Izard suggested a statue of "him and Kev together hugging as solidarity to us all."

Ultimately, Kirsty Cheetham perfectly summarised why a joint monument is the only fitting choice for the city, writing that they should stand side-by-side "in the city as a reminder of friendship and togetherness."

If the overwhelming emotion of the Leeds public is anything to go by, a public monument capturing that unforgettable marathon moment wouldn't just be a tribute to rugby league - it would stand as an enduring monument to love and loyalty in the heart of West Yorkshire.