FORMER Warrington Wolves skipper Adrian Morley is among a clutch of ex-international stars preparing to take part in a unique hybrid rugby match in tribute to Rob Burrow CBE.

Past England rugby league and rugby union stars will feature in the action at AMT Headingley, Leeds, next month to raise funds to research and support those living with Motor Neurone Disease.

The idea for the November 17 showdown was devised by Burrow and former Gloucester player Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022, before Burrow died, aged 41, in June.

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

Those set to play in the 13-a-side game include former England rugby league internationals like Morley, fellow ex-Wire forward Ryan Bailey, Keith Senior, Luke Gale, Paul McShane, Danny McGuire and Gareth Ellis against ex-England rugby union internationals Danny Cipriani, Billy Twelvetrees, Matt Banahan, Jordan Crane, Tom Youngs and Tom Wood.

Slater said: “It was nearly a year ago that Rob and I were talking about putting this match on and he was really excited about seeing it happen.

“It feels really fitting that the game will be at AMT Headingley because of how special that stadium was for Rob.

“I think I have got a pretty strong rugby union team lined up and I know what the boys are like once they step onto the pitch - that competitive streak will kick in and I am expecting a great contest as well as a brilliant occasion.”

Burrow’s former Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain teammate Senior added: “We have seen so many special moments in recent years surrounding Rob and I think this will be right up there.

“I have played in a few cross-code challenges but this hybrid game will be something unique.

“When you look down the list of names in both squads, they are both packed with internationals.

“I always get asked about how I thought I would have got on playing rugby union so there will be a few reputations on the line in this one and I think it will be one not to miss.

“It is great that we can come together and complete Rob’s vision for this game.”

The 13-a-side showdown will include unlimited tackles in a team’s 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.

Burrow spent his entire career with Leeds Rhinos, helping them win eight Super League titles.

Following his MND diagnosis, he raised millions alongside his friend and former teammate Kevin Sinfield to help build a new care centre for MND patients.

The fixture will represent a new development in matches between the two codes.

Previous meetings have involved halves or whole matches played under established union and league rules respectively.

In two matches in 1996, Wigan beat Bath 82-6 under league rules, before Bath won the union rematch 44-19.

And in a match between Sale and St Helens in 2003, the former built up a 41-0 half-time lead under union rules, before Saints responded with 39 unanswered points under league rules after the break.