The demand for proper recognition of rugby league’s legends is intensifying, with both fans and former players pushing for long-overdue honours.
Wigan Warriors icon Jason Robinson has
fiercely criticized the ongoing omission
of Kevin Sinfield from the New Year’s
Honours List, describing it as
“ridiculous” that no rugby league player
has ever received a knighthood.
Robinson, who himself is an OBE, made
the bold claim after Sinfield, who
recently completed another remarkable
fundraising challenge to support those
affected by Motor Neurone Disease
(MND), was left off the King’s 2025
Honours List despite widespread calls for
his recognition.
In an interview with the Daily Mirror,
Robinson expressed his disbelief over the
lack of recognition for Sinfield, one of
rugby league’s greatest players. He
argued that it is long overdue for Sinfield
to be acknowledged with the highest
honour available, particularly given his
outstanding achievements both on and
off the field. Robinson also extended his
criticism to the broader issue of rugby
league’s historical underrepresentation
in the honours system, pointing out that
despite numerous legends from the
sport, no player has ever received a
knighthood.
“It’s absolutely ridiculous that no one
from rugby league has ever been given a
knighthood,” Robinson stated. “When
you think about some of the players who
have not only been among the best in
rugby league but arguably the best in
rugby as a whole, it’s baffling. Players
like Billy Boston, who holds so many
records, and figures like Alex Murphy, or
from my era, Ellery Hanley, all deserve
more recognition. These players helped
shape the game, and yet there’s still no
recognition at that level for the
contributions of rugby league.”
Robinson’s criticism highlights a
significant disparity between rugby
union and rugby league, as numerous
rugby union figures have received
knighthoods, while no player from the
rugby league community has been
honoured with the same recognition.
Notable rugby union figures such as Sir
Clive Woodward, Sir Jonny Wilkinson,
and Sir Bill McLaren have all been
knighted for their contributions to the
sport, while rugby league legends like
Boston, Hanley, and Murphy remain
without such an accolade.
Robinson took this a step further by
comparing the recognition of rugby
players across both codes. He highlighted
players like Andy Farrell and Shaun
Edwards, who excelled in rugby league
before transitioning to rugby union and
achieving great success. Robinson noted
that despite their achievements in both
codes, they would likely never receive
the same level of recognition as their
union counterparts. “When you look at
someone like Shaun Edwards, who is
regarded as one of the best in both codes,
you wonder why rugby league players
don’t get the same treatment,” Robinson
said.
Kevin Sinfield, who has become an
inspiration to many after his retirement,
continues to raise funds and awareness
for those suffering from MND, notably
supporting his close friend Rob Burrow,
who has been diagnosed with the
condition. Robinson praised Sinfield for
his extraordinary post-playing career,
acknowledging how his work for the
MND community has left a lasting legacy.
Sinfield’s fundraising efforts, including
his marathons and ultra-challenges, have
raised millions for MND research,
showing his dedication to helping those
affected by the disease.
“Kevin Sinfield is a remarkable human
being,” Robinson continued. “As a player,
he was one of the best, and what he’s
done for the MND community is
something truly special. His commitment
to raising money and providing a voice
for those suffering from MND is
incredible, and it has inspired a whole
nation. But if you’re associated with
rugby league, it’s often overlooked. You
just don’t get the same recognition that
rugby union players do.”
Robinson, who won 20 major trophies
during his rugby league career before
transitioning to rugby union, pointed out
that even he experienced a disparity in
recognition. “I only received my honours
when I moved to rugby union. I won 20
major trophies in rugby league, but
when I made my move to union, that’s
when people started to take notice. It just
shows how rugby league players aren’t
valued as much, and that needs to
change.”
Robinson’s comments resonate with
many rugby league fans who believe the
sport and its players deserve more
recognition, particularly for their
achievements on the international stage.
The failure to award knighthoods to
rugby league legends like Sinfield,
Boston, and Hanley is a glaring oversight
that Robinson has made clear should be
corrected. The call for greater
recognition of rugby league’s heroes
continues to grow, with fans and former
players alike advocating for overdue
honours.
