The Rugby League community has once again shown its extraordinary spirit in raising $3.1m for the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) in another hugely successful Beanie for Brain Cancer Round.
Beanie-adorned fans have flooded National Rugby League (NRL) venues across Round 15 of the Telstra Premiership, which culminated with a full house at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle for the Knights’ clash with reigning premiers Penrith on Sunday afternoon.
As donations continue, the total raised during Beanie for Brain Cancer Round 2024 has eclipsed the $3 million mark for the fourth consecutive year with over 135,000 beanies purchased so far. This year’s fundraising effort was bolstered by a record volume of online beanie sales.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the power and generosity of the Rugby League community was felt this round.
“There is nothing more inspiring than when the Rugby League community unites behind a worthy cause,” Mr Abdo said.
“Players and fans all wearing beanies at matches this weekend 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.”
Mark Hughes gives a Beanies update
MHF Founder Mark Hughes, who was on site at his former home ground for the final game of the round said Rugby League fans, broadcasters and media all played a role in achieving the remarkable fundraising result.
“The rugby league community seems to find a way to lift every year, no matter what’s going on in the world,” Hughes said.
“We understand that financially times are tough for everyone in the country right now and to help us raise $3.1 million dollars 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 MHF.
“What the wider media does this week to act as a megaphone for our cause and help build the awareness and support cannot be measured. I have to extend a gigantic thank you to the NRL, Channel 9, Fox League and the entire rugby league media for sharing stories of our brain cancer warriors, reinforcing the dire statistics and facts on brain cancer through all platforms is what 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 so 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.”
Forming The Big Three Trek, 64 trekkers departed Rugby League Central in Sydney on Friday to walk 150km across three days in torrential rain on their way to McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle raising over $230,000 for MHF.
Sportsbet donated $66,000 after 66 tries were scored in Round 15 ($1000 per try).
This season’s designs are still available online at or at participating Lowes and IGA stores to purchase.
Brain Cancer statistics
- Survival rates have increased by 1% over the last 35 years
- Kills more children than any other disease
- Only 2/10 people diagnosed will live more than 5 years
- Kills more people under 40 than any other cancer
- Receives less than 5% of federal funding for cancer research
- One person every 5 hours is diagnosed in Australia
