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.
In 2026 Players, officials and fans will all be sporting their favourite MHF beanie in Round 17, 25 – 28 June!! To view the NRL draw in Round 17 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.
What started in 2021 with three mates and a simple goal has grown into one of the most inspiring fundraising events on the Beanie for Brain Cancer calendar.
This year, over 100 trekkers and support crew will make the 150km journey from Sydney to Newcastle on the Big Three Trek. Together, they represent countless stories of courage, loss, hope, and determination. Some are walking in memory of loved ones they’ve lost, while others are walking beside families still navigating the challenges of a brain cancer diagnosis.
In 2025, the Big Three Trek reached an incredible milestone, raising more than $1 million over its first five years. At the heart of it all are Luke and his wife Ella, whose passion, dedication, and tireless work have transformed a tribute to a friend into a powerful legacy that is helping change lives.
Among this year’s trekkers is Brooke Coleman, who will once again walk in honour of her dad, Phil.
In September 2023, Phil was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), an aggressive stage 4 brain cancer. Over the following 18 months, he faced surgery, radiation, and multiple chemotherapy treatments with unwavering courage and determination. Heartbreakingly, Phil passed away in March 2025.
Since her dad’s diagnosis, Brooke has walked the Big Three Trek every year.
“Each year since Dad’s diagnosis I have walked 150km in his honour with the hopes of making a difference,” Brooke said. “Again, this year I will use the same grit and strength that he taught me to finish yet another trek.”
For Adam Johnson and his mates making up “Team LJ”, this year’s trek carries a deeply personal meaning too.
Adam, alongside Mark, Chris, Troy, Michael, Shaun and Tim, will be walking for Adam’s son Liam, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour after more than six months of unexplained illness and multiple misdiagnoses.
What followed was every parent’s nightmare: two brain surgeries, 30 days of brain and spine radiation, and four months of intensive chemotherapy. Following his first surgery, Liam temporarily lost his ability to walk and communicate.
Today, Liam’s recent 12-month scan is thankfully clear, and he is enjoying getting back to being a kid. Adam and his mates are walking for greater awareness, earlier diagnosis, better treatments, and ultimately, a cure.
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.
