The NRL community stands united alongside Channel Nine, Fox League, Macquarie Radio Network and the Mark Hughes Foundation to highlight another important cause this week, in support of ‘Beanie for Brain Cancer’ round (Round 11).
The round is the concept of NRL Footy Show and Nine NRL Executive Producer Matt Callander, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2016.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said there was no hesitation in supporting Matt and all those affected by brain cancer when the idea was first raised.
"Matt is very much part of our rugby league family and has been fighting valiantly over the past year against this aggressive form of cancer," Mr Greenberg said.
"I have no doubt that our players and our fans will rally to provide greater awareness for more financial support and research of brain cancer."
All funds raised throughout the round will go to the Mark Hughes Foundation, with the aim to raise a minimum of $500,000 to fund a three-year research fellowship in another brain cancer research area.
"This is about something much bigger than rugby league and the more awareness we can create, the closer we will edge towards additional research and hopefully in the not too distant future, we will uncover a way to fight this cancer and other cancers," Greenberg said.
NRL and Channel Nine partner Sportsbet are one of many to commit to donating, with $1,000 for every try scored across Round 11.
Across Round 10, there were 69 tries scored – the most since Round 25, 2015 (71).
Brain Cancer kills more children than any other disease and more adults under 40 than any other cancer.
To donate and for more details, including a range of auction items to bid on, head to markhughesfoundation.com.au
Fans can also purchase beanies at the following matches throughout Round 11 (18-21 May):
Sharks vs. Cowboys (Southern Cross Group Stadium)
Broncos vs. Tigers (Suncorp Stadium)
Eels vs. Raiders (ANZ Stadium)
Knights vs. Panthers (McDonald Jones Stadium)
Bulldogs vs. Roosters (ANZ Stadium)
