Sam Burgess Interview: Rob Burrow's Death Made Me Question Everything in Life

Sam Burgess, who will lead Warrington in this weekend's Challenge Cup final, helped look after his father when he had MDD. Photo: Getty Images/Ben Roberts

Sam Burgess says Rob Burrow's death has brought back memories of his father's tragic fate as he tried to lead Warrington Wolves to an emotional victory in Saturday's Challenge Cup final.

Burgess' team threatens a record result of 20 victories. Time champions Wigan Warriors aim to lift the famous trophy in their first season as head coach.

The 35-year-old former dual-code England international will be supported by several family members, including mum Julie and older brother Luke at Wembley.

Burgess' father Mark, however, died from motor neurone disease aged 45 years in 2007, and Leeds Rhinos legend Burrow died on Sunday after a four-and-a-half year battle with the degenerative disease.

Burgess said. Telegraph Sport: «When I heard the news of Rob's passing, I was questioning everything in life, thinking: 'What does it all mean?' But it's about moments, memories, relationships and enjoying yourself.

“Rob was 41 when he died, my dad was 45, so they were young men. The news was inevitable when Rob was diagnosed, but it's always a sad day when it comes.

“But he had such an impact on the world and left a great legacy. Not only because of what he achieved as a player, but because of the awareness and money he helped raise for the MND community. Let's hope we can finally find a cure.»

Burgess played for the England rugby team at the 2015 Championships. World Cup after code switch Photo: PA/Andrew Matthews

Burgess revealed how helping to care for his father helped shape his formative years.

The former South Sydney Rabbitohs forward was just 15 when Mark was diagnosed and soon had to carry his once robust father — a former rugby league player — upstairs to bed every evening.

“The experience gives you have a great outlook on life,” Burgess said. “It definitely influenced me and made me appreciate things more because I had to learn a lot when I was so young.

“There's no doubt my dad would be proud of me this weekend. We went to Wembley as a family to watch Leeds Rhinos play the London Broncos in the 1999 Challenge Cup final.

“Mum, Dad, my three brothers and I were sitting together in the first row. It gave us four brothers the desire to one day be there ourselves.»

Recommended

'During this time throughout my life I was lost: Sam Burgess opens up about his personal problems Read more Burgess burst onto the Super League scene as a teenager with Bradford Bulls before joining Souths for big money in late 2009. .

“I was lucky that my father saw me play professionally for Bradford; he just never saw me play for Great Britain,” he added.

“I was hoping he would last until then, but it didn’t happen. During your formative years, you learn a lot about life and these experiences help you move on quickly. You learn to forgive more and appreciate the beauty of the simple things in life.

«I moved to Australia at a young age and there is no doubt that I wouldn't have done it so soon if Dad was still around.

«As a child I had a drive and pushed boundaries, but when you go through what I did, you tend to step up even more and be a little bolder in your decision-making.” Burgess found success playing for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL. Photo: Getty Images/Mark Metcalfe

Burgess' older brother Luke played alongside Burrow for Leeds in the 2009 Super League Grand Prix. Final victory over St Helens.

There will be a minute's silence for Burrow at Wembley this weekend ahead of the women's and men's Challenge Cup finals.

There will be a minute's applause for Burrow at the seventh minute during these games — and also at the Schools 7 final. Boys' Championship and the 1895 Cup Final.

Fans are also invited to lay flowers at the rugby league statue outside Wembley.

Leeds women's team player Caitlin Beavers, whose side are aiming to beat holders St. -Helens,» said: «As a club, we are obviously devastated [by Burrow's departure].

«On and off the field, he was simply a great person and he will definitely be an inspiration to us on Saturday.» Wigan captain Liam Farrell said: “Rob was a generational talent and it is fitting that he will be honored next week when rugby league's most iconic trophy is presented. at Wembley

Meanwhile, Wigan duo Adam Keighran and Tyler Dupree will miss Saturday's final due to three-game suspensions.