You can’t wipe the smile off Mark Hughes’ face.
Once again, the sporting community has displayed its extraordinary generosity in support of the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF), with the 2026 NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round amassing a phenomenal $3.8 million.
As the annual event celebrated its 10th anniversary at the weekend, the latest figure also pushed the total funds raised past $33.5 million since its inception in 2017.
But, the backing didn’t stop in the stadiums.
An incredible 85 trekkers took on the 150km The Big Three Trek, raising in excess of $470,000.
Since its origin, it’s now contributed more than $1.5 million towards brain cancer research.
Sportsbet contributed $54,000 as well through its $1,000 per-try initiative across the round.
“To see and experience first-hand what this has become after a decade is something I’ll never take for granted,” he said.
“Brain cancer affects families from every walk of life, including mine, and the reality is the statistics haven’t changed enough, which is exactly why this support matters so much.
“Every beanie worn, every donation made and every kilometre walked sends a message of hope to those dealing with the disease and helps us continue funding research, supporting patients and driving real change.
“We know people are doing it tough and there are so many causes asking for financial assistance, which makes what this community gives each year even more remarkable.
“To the fans, volunteers, clubs, players, partners, media broadcasters and everyone who got behind the round, thank you, we are so grateful.
“This is what rugby league does best. We show up for each other.”
Funding from the 2026 NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round will help secure a world-leading MRI-PET Imaging Machine for the Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research at the University of Newcastle, too, the first of its kind in Australia.
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