Cross-code MND match could be annual event - Gale

Former Leeds Rhinos half-back Luke Gale says he hopes Sunday's cross-code rugby match at Headingley in aid of people living with Motor Neurone Disease could become an annual event.

Rhinos legend Rob Burrow, who died aged 41 in June, worked with former Gloucester player Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022, to devise the concept.

The 13-a-side ‘745 Game’ – named after the shirt numbers worn by Burrow, Slater and Scotland great Doddie Weir, who died in 2022 aged 52 – will be played under a series of cross-code rules specifically designed for the occasion.

"We've seen many events that go year after year and build up a head of steam," Gale told BBC Radio Leeds.

"I've seen no reason this can't be an event at Headingley every year, it's a great stadium for it. Let's make it an occasion every year.

"It's a great cause and it's an exciting game. There's some great names involved. It's a mouthwatering clash."

Ex-England union internationals Danny Cipriani, Billy Twelvetrees and Tom Youngs, and league players Keith Senior, Adrian Morley and Danny McGuire, are among those taking part in the match.

It will include unlimited tackles in your own half but six after halfway, uncontested scrums and line-outs, with five points awarded for a try, and two each for a conversion and a drop-goal.

Gale, who retired from playing at the end of the 2024 season after helping Wakefield to the Championship title, is looking forward to the challenge.

"I'm coaching the Wakefield academy now so I might jump in with their session later to crisp up my skills," the 36-year-old said.

"I'm a big fan of Cipriani. I think he could have been a gun in rugby league because he has a rarely seen skillset. I'm excited to go up against him."

He added: "It's win at all costs. It'll be good craic but as soon as we play a game, it could be chess or tiddlywinks, winning is the name of the game."

Gale came through the Rhinos academy but left before making a senior appearance, with Burrow having claimed the half-back position. Gale returned to Headingley in 2019 and skippered them to victory in the 2020 Challenge Cup final.

Burrow, who retired in 2017, enjoyed a superb career with Leeds, winning eight Super League Grand Finals, three World Club Challenges and two Challenge Cups.

Gale said Burrow would be "proud" to see how the event has come together.

"When Rob and Ed spoke about this they wanted to showcase both codes and they've got everyone out of retirement." he said.

"I knew Rob and his family. I played the same number as him at this great club. It's in your heart.

"I think he'd be proud knowing it was going on this weekend.

"He'd probably have been thinking he could score a few against some of the bigger union lads. I'm not sure how they would have handled him!"