The National Rugby League (NRL) and Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) are teaming up for the 10th anniversary Beanie for Brain Cancer Round across Round 17 of the 2026 Telstra Premiership this week.
Across the nine Beanie Rounds to date, Rugby League fans have helped MHF raise $29.7 million through the sale of more than 1.3 million beanies, bringing Australians together in the fight against brain cancer.
The support of the Rugby League community enabled MHF to establish one of the country’s leading brain cancer research centres at the University of Newcastle in 2022, where just this month MHF injected a new landmark $18.9 million philanthropic gift to drive the next phase of research.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the 10th anniversary year of Beanie for Brain Cancer Round provides an opportunity to recognise the achievements of the first nine years and to carry the fight forward.
“During Beanie Round this year the Rugby League community will surpass $30 million in funds raised through beanie sales and donations for MHF, which has directly contributed to significant advancements in brain cancer research in Australia,” said Mr Abdo.
“This support was critical in the establishment of the MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research at the University of Newcastle and has enabled MHF to invest more than $10 million in innovation grants that have supported 45 research projects and hundreds of researchers across Australia. Some of this work is now progressing to clinical trials – offering real hope and helping bring research outcomes to patients faster than ever before.
“The MHF and the Rugby League community is making a real difference for people fighting brain cancer.”
MHF Co-Founder, Mark Hughes, said: “Ten years ago, this started with an idea between two people determined to do something in the face of brain cancer. To see what it has become today is something I never could have imagined.
“This round is about recognising every person who has stood beside us over the past decade – every supporter, every volunteer, every player, every club and every family who has helped drive real change in the fight against brain cancer.
“I feel incredibly grateful every day to meet people whose lives have been touched by the research, care and support this round helps make possible – but just as importantly, by the awareness it creates and the conversations it starts around brain cancer right across the country. That’s what this round is really about – giving hope where it’s needed most.
“We’ve achieved so much together, but there is still more to do. So put your beanie on this week, wear it proudly and know you’re helping make a real difference for Australians facing brain cancer.”
Sportsbet will continue its long running support by donating $1000 for every try scored across the round.
“Reaching a decade of support for the Mark Hughes Foundation is a milestone everyone at Sportsbet is incredibly proud of,” Sportsbet CEO Doug Brown said.
“What began as a simple commitment to donate $1,000 for every try has now generated more than $600,000 for brain cancer research, patient support and awareness.”
The Beanie Round concept carries on the legacy of its creator, Nine’s executive producer of NRL, the late Matt Callander who lost his brave battle with brain cancer in 2017.
This year the round features matches in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Townsville, Canberra and the Gold Coast with beanies available for purchase at each match venue.
The annual Big Three trek kicks off this Friday with a record 85 trekkers set to walk 150 kilometres from Sydney to Newcastle over three days, arriving at McDonald Jones Stadium for the clash between the Knights and Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
In Australia, brain cancer kills more children than any other disease and more people under 40 than any other cancer. One person is diagnosed with brain cancer every five hours.
Beanies are also available from all Lowes Australia stores and at participating Woolworths and IGA Australia stores.
To purchase a beanie or donate, fans can visit markhughesfundation.com.au.
