Kevin Sinfield, the Leeds Rhinos captain. Rob Burrow, the little man with the big heart belying his size among giants. Tasting the joy of victory in Grand Final and Wembley showpieces.
The aching limbs and throbbing, twitching muscles, all forgotten in a hug - a coming together of friends, team-mates, warriors.
Only this time it was different. Burrow's battles now go far beyond ducking and weaving between hulks trying to take him down. Motor Neurone Disease is his adversary now.
Sinfield ran seven marathons in seven days in support of his former team-mate and the MND Association, raising £1.2m shortly after he crossed the finishing line for the final time on Monday.
That smashed the former England playmaker's initial target of £77,777, a nod to the number seven shirt which Burrow wore for Leeds during his 17-year rugby league career.
The hug they shared after one leg of the challenge was evidence of their bond, a reminder just how special friendship is.
The aching limbs and throbbing, twitching muscles, all forgotten in a hug - a coming together of friends, team-mates, warriors.
Only this time it was different. Burrow's battles now go far beyond ducking and weaving between hulks trying to take him down. Motor Neurone Disease is his adversary now.
Sinfield ran seven marathons in seven days in support of his former team-mate and the MND Association, raising £1.2m shortly after he crossed the finishing line for the final time on Monday.
That smashed the former England playmaker's initial target of £77,777, a nod to the number seven shirt which Burrow wore for Leeds during his 17-year rugby league career.
The hug they shared after one leg of the challenge was evidence of their bond, a reminder just how special friendship is.