The Mark Hughes Foundation will team up with the National Rugby League to charge into the ninth annual Beanie for Brain Cancer Round this week, across Round 17 of the NRL Telstra Premiership.
The NRL’s official charity round continues its special place in the competition calendar each year, when Beanie for Brain Cancer Round brings together clubs, players, and fans alike to raise crucial funds for brain cancer through the sale of beanies online, at NRL matches and select retail outlets.
The concept carries on the legacy of its posthumous creator, former Nine NRL Executive producer, Matt Callander, who sadly lost his battle with brain cancer in October 2017.
Brain cancer research and support systems have risen from the ground up thanks to over one million MHF beanies sold since the concept began in 2017, with the rugby league community providing over $25 million for brain cancer research and patient support.
NRL CEO, Andrew Abdo, said the annual themed round has had a profound impact on the lives of many Australians and is an inspiring example of the Rugby League community banding together behind an important cause.
“Since the very first Beanie Round, we’ve seen an incredible shift in brain cancer research across the country which has been a direct result of the support, generosity and spirit of the Rugby League community.
“The MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research opened in 2022 at the University of Newcastle and has fast become a national hub, pulling together resources from across the country.
“There are now over 100 researchers working on brain cancer and collaborating with the MHF Centre, compared with only a few when it opened. There are six dedicated research streams focusing on things like brain imaging and childhood brain cancer, and the researchers are not only looking to find better treatments but making inroads to improve the quality of life for those being treated.
“Every dollar we make during Beanie Round goes towards bolstering these efforts. Last year’s Beanie Round – where we raised over $3.1m dollars alone – helped fund Australia’s most advanced MRI machine, which sits in the MHF Centre and will offer researchers clearer insights into brain tumours.”
MHF Founder, Mark Hughes, said: “Every beanie worn brings us one step closer to more hope, better outcomes, and one day, a cure for brain cancer.”
“A decade ago, we never could’ve imagined the incredible team we’d build. We now have over 100 of the best researchers in the country, all working together like a premiership squad. Just like every NRL team needs its whole team, we can’t tackle brain cancer without a full strength squad. Everyone matters – every patient, every researcher to every supporter. Every single person matters.
“We are calling on footy fans to help turn stadiums into a sea of MHF beanies this weekend as part of the NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round 2025.
“Whether it’s a new beanie or one that’s been worn year after year, every beanie in the crowd is a powerful symbol of hope for brain cancer patients and their families. We want to show those impacted by brain cancer that they are not alone. When thousands of fans wear their beanies, it sends a clear message of hope — and a commitment that we won’t stop until we beat brain cancer.”
Sportsbet will continue its long running support by donating $1000 for every try scored across the round.
Sportsbet CEO, Barni Evans said: “Sportsbet prides itself on being able to do more for our communities. We’re proud to continue our support of the Mark Hughes Foundation for the 2025 NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round.
“It’s amazing to see that this year will push total donations past $550,000 since our first involvement in 2017. It’s a powerful reminder of the positive effect the rugby league community can have when united and how Sportsbet can always do more in raising funds for such a meaningful cause.”
Beanie For Brain Cancer Round 2025 features matches in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Wollongong and the Gold Coast with beanies available for purchase at each match venue.
Newcastle local Scott Hingston has embarked on an incredible run from AAMI Park in Melbourne to Newcastle in an effort to raise awareness and funding for brain cancer research.
Hingston’s epic 1100 kilometre journey will see him run 24 marathons in 12 days as he runs an average of 85 km’s per day to his destination the Newcastle Knights home kingdom, McDonald Jones Stadium. For more information or to donate visit Scott Hingston’s 1000ks in 12 days.
The annual Big Three trek kicked off today – Wednesday, June 25 – with 70 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 Raiders Friday night.
Click here for new Beanie for Brain Cancer campaign video here
Mark Hughes Foundation Beanie for Brain Cancer Campaign
In Australia, brain cancer kills more children than any other disease and more people under 40 than any other cancer. Supporters are being urged to help raise much needed funds by buying a beanie or donating to the Mark Hughes Foundation. More information is available at markhughesfoundation.com.au.
Beanies are also available from all Lowes Australia stores, participating IGA Australia and selected Woolworths stores.
