The National Rugby League (NRL) and Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) are teaming up for the ninth consecutive season to continue the fight against brain cancer across Round 17 of the NRL Telstra Premiership.
With over one million beanies purchased since the inaugural Beanie for Brain Cancer Round in 2017, Rugby League fans have collectively raised over $25 million directly via beanie sales and donations.
The support has enabled MHF to establish a national Brain Cancer research hub and fund over 100 researchers and cutting-edge technology to advance research and enhance the lives of those currently undergoing treatment.
The Beanie Round concept carries on the legacy of its creator, Nine's executive producer of NRL, the late Matt Callander who lost his brave battle with brain cancer in 2017.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the annual themed round has had a profound impact on the lives of many Australians and is an inspiring example of the Rugby League community banding together behind an important cause.
"Since the very first Beanie Round, we've seen an incredible shift in brain cancer research across the country which has been a direct result of the support, generosity and spirit of the Rugby League community.
"The MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research opened in 2022 at the University of Newcastle and has fast become a national hub, pulling together resources from across the country.
"There are now over 100 researchers working on brain cancer and collaborating with the MHF Centre, compared with only a few when it opened.
"There are six dedicated research streams focusing on things like brain imaging and childhood brain cancer, and the researchers are not only looking to find better treatments but making inroads to improve the quality of life for those being treated.
"Every dollar we make during Beanie Round goes towards bolstering these efforts. Last year's Beanie Round - where we raised over $3.1m dollars alone - helped fund Australia's most advanced MRI machine, which sits in the MHF Centre and will offer researchers clearer insights into brain tumours."
MHF Founder, Mark Hughes said: "Every beanie worn brings us one step closer to more hope, better outcomes, and one day, a cure for brain cancer.
"A decade ago, we never could've imagined the incredible team we'd build. We now have over 100 of the best researchers in the country, all working together like a premiership squad.
"Just like every NRL team needs its whole squad, we can't tackle brain cancer without a full-strength team. Everyone matters - every patient, every researcher to every supporter. Every single person matters.
"We are calling on footy fans to help turn stadiums into a sea of MHF beanies this weekend as part of the NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round 2025.
"Whether it's a new beanie or one that's been worn year after year, every beanie in the crowd is a powerful symbol of hope for brain cancer patients and their families. We want to show those impacted by brain cancer that they are not alone.
"When thousands of fans wear their beanies, it sends a clear message of hope - and a commitment that we won't stop until we beat brain cancer."
Sportsbet will continue its long running support by donating $1000 for every try scored across the round.
Sportsbet CEO, Barni Evans said: "Sportsbet prides itself on being able to do more for our communities. We're proud to continue our support of the Mark Hughes Foundation for the 2025 NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round.
"It's amazing to see that this year will push total donations past $550,000 since our first involvement in 2017. It's a powerful reminder of the positive effect the Rugby League community can have when united and how Sportsbet can always do more in raising funds for such a meaningful cause."
This year the round features matches in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Wollongong, Melbourne and the Gold Coast with beanies available for purchase at each match venue.
The annual Big Three trek kicked off today with 70 trekkers set to walk 150 kilometres from Sydney to Newcastle over three days, arriving at McDonald Jones Stadium for the clash between the Knights and Raiders on Friday night.
In Australia, Brain Cancer kills more children than any other disease and more people under 40 than any other cancer. One person is diagnosed with brain cancer every five hours in Australia.
Beanies are also available from all Lowes Australia stores and at participating Woolworths and IGA Australia stores.
