Beanie for Brain Cancer Round is back for 2018 in Round 12 of the NRL from May 24 to 27, aiming to raise the bar against a disease that still has no cure and no survivors. 

Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, the brainchild of the late Nine NRL Executive Producer, Matt Callander, produced an incredible display of generosity in 2017, raising $1.75 million and launching the Matt Callander Fellowship in association with the Mark Hughes Foundation.

Brain cancer kills more children in Australia than any other disease. It also kills more people under 40 than any other cancer. Statistics have not changed for the last 30 years. This needs to improve, for the sake of the many Australians diagnosed daily with this terrible disease.

In 2018, Beanie for Brain Cancer Round will be held in Matt Callander’s honour, with a fundraising target to crack the $2 million dollar mark and take the fight against brain cancer to the next level in a cause that is close to the hearts of the rugby league community.

MHF ambassador and Newcastle Knights champion, Mark Hughes, will be rallying the rugby league community to get behind the cause this week.

“It is with real sadness that we take on this Beanie for Brain Cancer campaign without my great mate and inspiration behind the whole round, Matt Callander,” Hughes said. “Unfortunately this is the reality of brain cancer. All I can do now is work side by side with his family and make sure this Beanie for Brain Cancer round is bigger and better every year in memory of Matt. I’m sure Matt would be very proud looking down on his family who are ensuring his legacy lives on.”

This year’s Beanie for Brain Cancer Round urges fans to buy an MHF Beanie at selected NRL matches, online at all NSW and Queensland Ritchie’s IGA stores, and bid on five auction items. 

“There are five amazing prizes to have a look at, including two spots on our next trek in October. Our first adventure was Kokoda Coast to Coast, then we scaled Everest Base Camp last year, and this year it’s on again,” Hughes said. “Paul ‘The Chief’ Harragon and myself are excited to announce the MHF Borneo Coast to Coast for 2018. 

“We’ll be riding our bikes, whitewater rafting and trekking whilst tracing our Australian soldiers’ history. Check out the auction link for the full description plus the other great prizes up for grabs.”

Supporting Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said: “Losing Matt last year to this horrible disease was devastating, but his legacy in the fight to find a cure for brain cancer well and truly lives on through the brilliant work of all those involved with the Mark Hughes Foundation. I encourage all rugby league fans to grab a beanie, get to a game and show your support for all those who have been affected by brain cancer.”

All money raised during the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round goes directly to brain cancer research and patient support. MHF will strategically fund research projects jointly and in alignment with the National Brain Cancer Mission, with the aim of doubling the survival rates and improving the quality of life for patients with brain cancer in the next 10 years.

Sportsbet will donate $1000 for every try and $2000 for every try scored by a captain in Round 12 of the NRL this weekend in support of the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round. 

Bid for an auction item here: MHF Auction Link – Make a difference! 

• Borneo Trek for two with rugby league legends
• Immortals Dining Experience, Holden State of Origin II
• Supercars hotlap and two VIP passes – Red Rooster SuperNight 300 at Sydney Motorsport Park, August 4
• NRL Footy Show ANZ Stadium corporate box and Behind the Scenes experience, June 14
• Fox League NRL star player-signed table tennis table

Buy your beanies at the following games in NRL Round 12: May 24-27

Brisbane Broncos v Parramatta Eels 
Thursday 24 May
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Canberra Raiders v Manly Sea Eagles
Friday 25 May
GIO Stadium, Canberra

North Queensland Cowboys v Melbourne Storm 
Saturday 25 May
1300SMILES Stadium, Townsville

Sydney Roosters v Gold Coast Titans 
Saturday 26 May
Central Coast Stadium 

Penrith Panthers v St George Illawarra Dragons
Saturday 26 May
Panthers Stadium

Newcastle Knights v Cronulla Sharks
Sunday 27 May
McDonald Jones Stadium

Wests Tigers v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Sunday 27 May
ANZ Stadium

Thursday, May 24 – World record beanie attempt at Bondi Beach from 5.30am

Ritchie’s Supa IGA Stores: Buy an MHF beanie here and search Ritchie’s IGA stores

For any media enquires please contact:
Ryley McKay– 0413 378 052
rmckay@nine.com.au

Sunday, May 20, 2017