The concept was the dream of Matt Callander, former Channel 9 NRL Executive Producer, who was diagnosed with stage 4 Glioblastoma in 2016. Matt sadly lost his battle with brain cancer in October 2017, but his legacy lives on through the NRL Beanie Round.
The NRL Beanie Round urges fans to buy an MHF Beanie at NRL matches, online or in Lowes Australia and selected IGA stores, with the aim of raising millions of dollars for brain cancer research and patient support. MHF strategically funds research projects, with the aim of doubling the survival rates and improving the quality of life for patients with brain cancer in the next 10 years.
The collective support from the NRL, Channel 9 & all media outlets, every NRL club, player, coach and fan makes this round truly special and incredibly popular each year.
The Big Three Trek will run alongside Round 17 this year, where 80 trekkers will walk 150 kilometres from Sydney to Newcastle over three days, for the fourth year in a row raising funds and awareness for brain cancer.
The 2025 NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round is scheduled for June 26 – June 29, Round 17. To view the NRL draw click here.
Matt Callander, diagnosed with an aggressive Stage 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) brain tumour in 2016 could have been forgiven if he just sat around feeling sorry for himself – but he didn’t. He decided to raise awareness about brain cancer’s shocking statistics and lack of funding for research into the disease, by introducing the NRL Beanie Round. With the support of his family, NRL, Channel 9, The Footy Show, and thousands of Matt’s friends, colleagues and supporters – the inaugural NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round in 2017 raised an astonishing $2.3 million.
Sadly Matt passed away in October 2017 but what a legacy he left behind. The NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round continues to grow each year. Since the first Beanie Round in 2017, an incredible 1 million MHF beanies have been sold to date.
We are privileged to continue Matt’s legacy with the amazing help of his family who we proudly call MHF Ambassadors.
We thank Anne, Maddy, Indiana, Digger and Archie for giving us their precious time and energy so generously and continuing Matt’s legacy. Read Maddy’s touching tribute to her dad written in 2019 here.
The Big Three Trek isn’t just a walk—it’s a movement. A 150km journey over just three days from NRL headquarters in Moore Park to Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium, created to raise funds and awareness for brain cancer research through the Mark Hughes Foundation.
It began in 2021 when Luke Alexander and two mates laced up their boots to honour their local soccer coach, who had passed away from brain cancer. What started with three mates has grown into something extraordinary—now entering its fifth year, with close to $1 million raised and nearly 80 participants taking part in 2025. At the centre of it all are Luke and his wife Ella, whose passion and hard work have turned this tribute into a powerful legacy.
Among this year’s inspiring trekkers are a number of Brain Cancer Warriors who aren’t just walking for the cause—they are the cause.
Dave Marchant was diagnosed with a large brain tumour in late 2024. Following surgery, he began six weeks of radiation in early 2025, with a year of chemotherapy to follow. Despite the fatigue, discomfort, and uncertainty, Dave is charging ahead—rallying his community, organising events, and leading this year’s training and fundraising efforts with unstoppable energy. “I’m looking forward to walking with people who get it,” he says. “It can feel lonely sometimes, so being with others who understand will mean a lot.”
Also walking this year are Matt Stonham, Ellie Pastourmoglou, Liz Martin, and Rebecca Szuba (Unfortunately, Bec got some horrible news and had to have another brain surgery which sadly rules her out for this year) —three incredible women facing their own brain cancer battles with extraordinary strength and courage. Each brings her own powerful story and reason for walking, united by a shared determination to make a difference.
The remainder of the group is made up of special humans walking for the loved ones they have lost—or those still bravely fighting this cruel disease. Every step they take is filled with love, grief, strength, and hope.
BY MADDY CALLANDER
Cancer is a disease that comes in many forms, it doesn’t discriminate and it has the power to hit anyone. In April 2016, it hit us and my Dad was diagnosed with a stage four glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, with currently no cure.
Every five hours, one person is diagnosed with brain cancer. It kills more children than any other disease and at 45 years of age, my Dad was given 12 months to live. We got 18 but sadly, he died in October, 2017.
During this short time, my Dad, Matt Callander spearheaded the NRL’s Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, an entire weekend of footy dedicated solely to raising much needed funds and awareness for brain cancer. Having worked at Channel Nine for over 20 years, he knew the power of the Rugby League community and the great work of the Mark Hughes Foundation so to him, this was a perfect match.
Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in children, and adults aged under 40 in Australia, yet alarmingly very little is known about brain cancer, its causes or how it is treated.
That’s why we need your help. Every dollar helps in the fight against brain cancer. Your donation will go towards vital research to improve patient treatments and, hopefully, find a cure one day.
All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in children, and adults aged under 40 in Australia, yet alarmingly very little is known about brain cancer, its causes or how it is treated.
That’s why we need your help. Every dollar helps in the fight against brain cancer. Your donation will go towards vital research to improve patient treatments and, hopefully, find a cure one day.
All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
