The rugby league community has come to the fore yet again by raising $3.1 million for the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF).
A highlight on the NRL calendar, the annual Beanie for Brain Cancer Round continues to exceed all expectations, with fans flooding to every venue, including McDonald Jones Stadium where 28,000 people watched the Newcastle Knights’ battle with the Penrith Panthers.
In 2024, the event eclipsed the $3 million mark for the fourth consecutive year, after 135,000 “head warmer” were sold.
The Big Three Trek, featuring 64 participants who walked from Sydney to Newcastle in torrential rain, raised $230,000 while Sportsbet donated $66,000 after 66 tries were scored in round 15 ($1,000 per try).
A delighted Mark Hughes thanked fans, broadcasters and media for the remarkable result.
“The rugby league community seems to find a way to lift every season, no matter what’s going on in the world,” the MHF co-founder said.
“We understand that financially times are tough for everyone in the country right now.
“So, to help us raise $3.1 million is incredible.
“It will never be lost on us how special it is for people to still find it important to buy a beanie or donate to the Mark Hughes Foundation.
“What the wider media does to act as a megaphone for our cause and help build the awareness and support cannot be measured.
“They’re sharing stories of our brain cancer warriors, reinforcing the dire statistics and facts on brain cancer through all platforms, which makes it so real for people to understand why this round is so important.
“On behalf of the MHF team and army of volunteers who all work very hard, we simply want to say thank you to every single person who contributed to our cause.
“We are blessed to be surrounded by this amazing community… and more determined and motivated than ever to continue our fight to tackle this insidious disease.
“By embracing a ‘one team’ mentality, where competition gives way to collaboration, we will keep making progress in the fight against brain cancer.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the power and generosity of supporters was certainly felt this round.
“There is nothing more inspiring than when the rugby league community unites behind a worthy cause,” he added.
“Players and fans all wearing beanies at matches meant that once again we were able to raise awareness and much-needed research funding for fighting brain cancer.
“This will hopefully help save many lives in the future.
“Thank you to everyone who contributed and congratulations to Mark Hughes and the foundation for leading the fight against this disease.”
This season’s designs are still available online at markhughesfoundation.com.au or at participating Lowes and IGA stores to purchase.
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