'I'm fine with dying': Rugby league great's devastating diagnosis at 37

English rugby league great Rob Burrow has announced he's been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease at the age of 37.

Burrow, who at 165cm was the smallest player in Super League, retired after winning his eighth grand final at the end of the 2017 season - having played almost 500 games for Leeds Rhinos.

‘URGENT DISCUSSIONS’: New league team targeting Israel Folau?

The 37-year-old father-of-three spent his entire career at Leeds, making 492 appearances, and also won 15 caps for England and five for Great Britain.

"Regrettably, I am confirming that I have been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease," Burrow said on Thursday.

"I would like to thank everyone for the support I have received already since being given my diagnosis.

"I know I have a big challenge in front of me but knowing that I have the love and support of so many people will give me inspiration and strength.

"I am very positive about the situation and intend to battle the condition as I still feel fit and well.

"I would like to ask for privacy at this time so I can adjust to the battle I have ahead and spend time with those closest to me ahead of Christmas and New Year."

Burrow currently acts as head coach of Leeds' reserve team following a two-year spell overseeing the Rhinos' academy.

He won the Challenge Cup in 2014 and 2015, as well as three World Club Challenges and three League Leaders Shields.

"This has been devastating news and is heartbreaking for Rob and his young family," Leeds director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said.

"Throughout his career, Rob overcame the odds to become a legend of the game and I know he will tackle this challenge with the exact same positive determination.

"As a club, Rob will receive our full support and we will be working with him to chart the way forward."

Burrow: ‘I’m fine with dying’

Burrow said he felt completely fine despite the diagnosis and the prospect of dying didn’t bother him.

However the thought of his kids - who are all under the age of eight - growing up without him was heartbreaking.

“Apart from my voice and other bits and bats with my muscles, I feel absolutely normal. Obviously this is a big time, with people finding out, but once it dies down I am pretty keen to just get on with life,” he told the UK Telegraph.

“The average lifespan is three years, but I’m a lot younger and older people might give up but I’m not going to give up. I haven’t got a goal in my head but unrealistic is 10 years; realistic I think is five years.

“The worst thing for me is people pitying me. I know it’s going to come, but I want to be as normal as ever.

“I'm fine with dying, it’s not being able to watch your kids grow up so if there’s ever an incentive to be around for a while, I’ve got it.”

Burrow, for whom Leeds announced they were setting up a fund to support him in his treatment and his family, is the latest sports star to be diagnosed with the disease.

AFL great Neale Daniher was diagnosed in 2014, setting up the ‘Fight MND’ foundation and dedicating his life to education and awareness.

Former Scotland rugby union international Doddie Weir was diagnosed in 2017, whilst the same disease claimed the life of former Rangers defender Fernando Ricksen in September.

Motor Neurone Disease - which affects the brain and the nervous system - causes weakness which gets worse over time and is almost always fatal.

There is no cure, though treatment is available to reduce its impact on daily life.

with agencies