Sky Sports will broadcast live coverage of the unique pre-season clash between old rivals Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls at Emerald Headingley on Sunday, 12 January.
The game, which kicks off at 3pm, is heading for a near 20,000 sell out following the announcement that funds raised will go towards supporting former Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain star Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease before Christmas.
The match will also bring down the curtain on Jamie Jones-Buchanan’s 20-year career with the eight-time Super League champions. He has agreed to share the testimonial match with his good friend Burrow following the announcement of his diagnosis.
A fund has been set up to support Burrow, his wife and his young family of three children under eight, and online giving has already raised over £250,000 in under three weeks.
With less than 500 tickets still available, fans who are unable to attend the match will be able to watch all the action on an emotional afternoon live on Sky Sports thanks to the support of the broadcaster, with coverage starting at 3pm on Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Mix.
All elements of the broadcast are being donated by long-term contractors. All camera, replay, sound and technical operators are donating their services for the day, along with the production and presentation team, while the outside broadcast vehicles are being donated by TV facilities company Telegenic.
The occasion will reach an emotional conclusion when Burrow himself takes to the field in the closing stages along with fellow Leeds Rhinos legends Jones-Buchanan, Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock, Kylie Leuluai and Danny McGuire for the first time since the treble-winning season in 2015.
Sunday will be a special celebration it’s heartwarming to be around so many good RL people @SkySportsRL showing it is massive not only do they love & admire the little fella theyre all giving their service, time & expertise for free on Sunday #OneRobBurrow https://t.co/tgCMPuvsSp pic.twitter.com/Q3WBzIaaGa
— Barrie McDermott 🏉 (@RLBarrieMc10) January 8, 2020
Commenting on the announcement, Sinfield who is now the Rhinos’ director of rugby, said:
“I would like to say a massive thank you to Sky Sports for their support ahead of Sunday’s game in particular Neville Smith, who has pulled together all the aspects to make this possible.
“I know there are a lot of Rugby League fans who would want to be there but are unable due to other commitments and this will allow them to be part of an unforgettable occasion.”
Steve Smith, Sky Sports executive director, added:
“Fixtures between Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls are always a highlight in the rugby league calendar. We’re delighted to be supporting Rob Burrow, as well as celebrating a glittering career for Jamie Jones-Buchanan.”
Donations to the Rob Burrow fund can be made via a special Virgin Money Giving page, set up by Leeds Rhinos – virginmoneygiving.com/fund/robburrow – while more information about Motor Neurone Disease (MND) can by found via the MND Association’s Website – mndassociation.org.
For a full list of all forthcoming major rugby league matches on the box, including Sky Sports’ 2020 Super League coverage and Challenge Cup round dates, visit SOTB’s dedicated rugby league TV listings page.
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SUNDAY 12th JANUARY
Leeds Rhinos v Bradford Bulls
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15:00 |
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